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Countries and cities around the world, including in other parts of the United States, have adopted free public transportation systems.
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The trend towards free public transit is not new to the pandemic era. , In addition, bus ridership surpassed subway ridership for the first time in New York’s history. This free bus service was faster and more efficient than the bus service that existed pre-pandemic. The free bus system became a lifeline for many vulnerable New Yorkers, particularly essential workers. Due to both health and economic concerns early in the pandemic, the MTA provided free bus service to all New Yorkers between March 20 and August 31, 2020. One such issue is the lack of equitable access to transportation, particularly for communities of color and low-income individuals. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on many inequities which have long existed in the City of New York. In addition, the fare-free bus service would bolster the need for the completion of many of the administration’s goals, including the build-out of new bus lanes, transition to fully-electric buses, and expansion of open streets. The fare-free bus service would also reduce costs in other areas such as transit police and school fare reimbursement.
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This fare-free bus service would increase bus ridership, improve the quality of bus service, and strengthen the relationship residents have with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).
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This fare-free service pilot would be funded through a combination of congestion pricing and federal funding. The City of New York should work with New York State to request that the MTA implement a six-month pilot of a free-fare bus system, excluding express bus service.
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