Free public transport
Public transport not funded by fares from passengers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Free public transport, often called fare-free public transit or zero-fare public transport, is public transport which is fully funded by means other than collecting fares from passengers. It may be funded by national, regional or local government through taxation, and/or by commercial sponsorship by businesses. Alternatively, the concept of "free-ness" may take other forms, such as no-fare access via a card which may or may not be paid for in its entirety by the user.
On 29 February 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport in the country (buses, trams, and trains) free to use.[2][3][4][5] On 1 October 2022, Malta made its public transport free on most routes, though unlike in Luxembourg, this applies only to residents.[6]
As some transit lines intended to operate with fares initially start service, the organisation may elect not to collect fares for an introductory period to create interest or to test operations.
Types
City-wide systems
Several mid-size European cities and many smaller towns around the world have converted their public transportation networks to zero-fare. The city of Hasselt in Belgium is a notable example: fares were abolished in 1997 and ridership was as much as "13 times higher" by 2006.[7] Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia with more than 420,000 inhabitants, switched to free public transport in 2013 after a public vote.[8]
In the U.S. state of Washington, 14 rural transit systems have adopted zero-fare policies, either permanently or through pilots in the 2020s.[9] Fares for passengers aged 18 and younger have been free on most local and inter-city transit systems in the state since September 2022. The program was part of a larger statewide transportation package and also includes inter-city Amtrak trains operated by the state, as well as the Washington State Ferries system.[10]
Kharkiv in Ukraine is the largest city in the world with free public transport with a population of 1,420,000 residents, where free public transport for everyone has been introduced in 2022.
Since 2025, local transport in Belgrade, a city with 1,380,000 inhabitants, has been free.[11]
Local services
In July 2017, Dubai announced it would offer free bus services for a short period of time on selected days.[12]
In the northwestern United States, some tribal governments offer free bus service on their respective reservations, including on the Muckleshoot,[13] Spokane,[14] Umatilla[15] and Yakama Indian Reservations.[16]
Emergency relief
During natural disasters, pandemics, and other area-wide emergencies, some transit agencies offer zero-fare transport.
United States
Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit commuter rail temporarily offered free service for those needing transportation alternatives during the 2017 Tubbs Fire and 2019 Kincade Fire.[17][18]
Some agencies, including the Central Ohio Transit Authority and King County Metro, offer free public transport during snow emergencies to reduce the number of vehicles on the street.[19][20]
COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several agencies paused the collection of fares to alleviate concerns that the virus could be transmitted on surfaces, to keep travelers from coming into close contact with employees, or to allow rear door boarding on their vehicles. These agencies are mostly located in smaller cities where the farebox recovery ratio is low as they could afford to implement this policy without a major hit to revenue.[21] A study was conducted to detail the ways that fare collection during the pandemic varied geographically and demographically. During this time, 63.5% of the 263 public transit agencies studied had suspended fare collection. Geographically, the alleviation of fares was common around urban centers like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, etc and less obvious in northwestern states.[22]
Benefits
Operational benefits
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Transport operators can benefit from faster boarding and shorter dwell times, allowing faster timetabling of services. Although some of these benefits can be achieved in other ways, such as off-vehicle ticket sales and modern types of electronic fare collection, zero-fare transport avoids equipment and personnel costs.
Passenger aggression may be reduced. In 2008 bus drivers of Société des Transports Automobiles (STA) in Essonne held strikes demanding zero-fare transport for this reason. They claim that 90% of the aggression is related to refusal to pay the fare.[24]
A randomized controlled trial conducted in Santiago, Chile, found that access to fare-free public transport increased overall travel by 12%, particularly boosting off-peak travel by 23% due to a rise in both public transport and non-motorized trips.[25]
Commercial benefits
Some zero-fare transport services are funded by private businesses, such as the merchants in a shopping mall, in the hope that doing so will increase sales or other revenue from increased foot traffic or ease of travel. Employers often operate free shuttles as a benefit to their employees, or as part of a congestion-mitigation agreement with a local government.[citation needed]
Community benefits
Zero-fare transport can make the system more accessible and fair for low-income residents. Other benefits are the same as those attributed to public transport generally:
- Road traffic can benefit from decreased congestion and faster average road speeds, fewer traffic accidents, easier parking, savings from reduced wear and tear on roads
- Increased public access, especially for the poor and low waged, which can in turn benefit social integration, businesses and those looking for work
- Environmental and public health benefits including decreased air pollution and noise pollution from road traffic
Research findings from Stroud & Bekhit (2023) about inclusivity gaps in FFPT research studies Research of fare-free public transport (FFTP) studies by Stroud and Bekhit (2025) reveals that only 25% of the studies significantly consider non-dominant groups of the population in their research, with extensive knowledge gaps about FFPT impacts on marginalized communities.[26]
Global benefits
Global benefits of zero-fare transport are also the same as those attributed to public transport generally. If use of personal cars is discouraged, zero-fare public transport could mitigate the problems of global warming and oil depletion. On average, cars emit one pound of CO2 per mile driven (280 g/km).[27] Public transport helps to reduce the number of vehicles being driven which results in decreasing carbon emissions. Cars are also responsible for emitting other pollutants such as antifreeze.[27]
Countries with countrywide zero-fare transport
- Luxembourg was the first country to offer free public transport (trams, trains, and buses) for everyone across the entire country. Since 29 February 2020, all public transport has been free in the country, with the exception of the first class on trains.[28][29]
- Estonia wants to become entirely zero-fare. Counties in Estonia are allowed to make public transport free. Between 2018 and 2024, buses were free of charge in 11 of Estonia's 15 counties. Public transport in Estonia's capital, Tallinn, has been free to local residents since 2013.[30][31] As of January 2024, free local transport in the counties was largely abolished, but remains available for people up to 19 years of age and those aged 63 and over.[32]
- Malta became fare free for all residents on 1 October 2022.[33]
- There are UK-wide provisions for free bus travel for senior citizens (60-years-old and over in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Greater London, state pension age for England).[34][35][36] The Scottish government has also implemented free bus travel across the country for people under 22-years-old since 31 January 2022, while the Scottish National Blind Person Scheme allows free rail and ferry travel for blind persons.[37][38] The senior citizens bus pass also apply to rail and rapid transit (the Tube) in Greater London, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Romania has made public transportation including buses, subways and inter-country trains free for all pre-university students. However university students only have the option for a 50% discount on individual inter-country train tickets or inter-city subscriptions.[39]
- In the Netherlands, students with Dutch citizenship get free public transportation country-wide in trains, trams, buses and metro. Students who are studying at universities of applied sciences and universities need to finish their degree ten years after starting it or they will need to pay back the amount of money.[40][41]
- Throughout Spain, from 1 September 2022 to 30 June 2025 and as a way to reduce gas prices for trucks after the Russian war in Ukraine, all multi-trip ticket train journeys on commuter services and medium-distance routes (less than 300 kilometres (190 mi)) were made free of charge, on the condition that the individual uses it at least an average of once a week.[42]
- Since March 2024, the Hungarian national railway company MÁV does not charge those of ages 65 and over and 14 and under for transportation.[43] Buses of the company Volánbusz can also be used free of charge from people of these same age ranges.[44]
- In the Republic of Ireland public transportation for citizens over the age 66 is free. People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also be eligible for free travel[45]
List of towns and cities with area-wide zero-fare transport
Europe
| Town/City | Population | Operator | First year | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Republic of Ireland |
5,149,139 | State | 1967 | Since 1967 | Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland gets access to free travel on all public transportation in Ireland[46] |
 Manchester | Bee Network | 1974 | Since 2002 | 2 Free bus routes around the City Centre, free to use since 2002 | |
 Morsø | 19,734 | Morsø Municipality | 2009 | Since 2009 | Free public bus transportation for everyone on the busses within the municipality; It was decided, because mostly school students used busses which the municipality covered |
| Læsø | 1,759 | Læsø Municipality | Free electric bus, with a small fee if you bring a bicycle or stroller[47] | ||
| Ærø | 5,948 | Ærø Municipality | Free wifi, you can bring your bike, dogs are allowed[48] | ||
 Cascais | 206,479 | Mobi Cascais | 2020 | Since 2 January 2020 | Free public bus transportation for residents, students and workers registered in the Municipality of Cascais. Cascais was the first in Portugal to implement the measure and is the fourth-largest city of the country. |
 Cahors | 20,447 | Raynal Voyages | 2019 | Since 2 November 2019 | [49] |
 Netherlands | Government | 1991 | Since 1991 | Free public transport for students Studentenreisproduct or OV-studentenkaart in the whole Netherlands. Students can choose for free transport on weekdays and 40% discount in the weekends, or vice versa. | |
 Voronezh, Voronezh Oblast | 1,032,382 | Municipality | 2003 | 2003–2013 | Free buses run every 30 min. (designated by the letter Н)[50] |
| Skolkovo, Moscow | N/A | ODAS Skolkovo + Mosgortrans | 2012 | Since opening | Local buses are free, include to railway station (from 2019, weekdays, delayed), longer routes are charged unless they ride via Auchan or Vegas |
| Miass, Chelyabinsk Oblast | 151,387 | Municipality | 1991 | Until 2002[51] | Free trolleybuses and buses |
 Gibraltar | 29,500 | State | 2011 | Since May 2011 | Only for residents and workers. Tourists have to pay. |
 Manises | 30,478 | Municipality | [52] | ||
| Marbella | 150,000 | Municipality | 2019 | Since 2019 | Only for enrolled citizens.[53] |
 Nova Gorica | 31,000 | 2006 | Since April 2006 | ||
 Samokov | 27,000 | 2006 | Since 2006 | ||
| Stamboliyski | 12,000 | Municipality | 2019 | Since 2019 | |
 Stavanger | 146,011 | Municipality | 2023 | Since 2023 | |
 Hasselt | 72,000 | De Lijn | 1997 | Since 1 July 1997 | 1,300% ridership increase 1996–2006. In 2013, Hasselt stopped free bus service for adults; riders under 19 still travel for free. |
| Duffel | 17,385 | De Lijn | Only valid for one ride | ||
| Ingelmunster | 10,928 | De Lijn | 2017 | Since 2017 | Free public transport was offered when the construction of a new bridge made the connection between the two sides of the town impossible. |
| Mons | 92,000 | TEC Hainaut | 1999 | 1999-2016 | 2 intramuros lines were free |
| Namur | 115,000 | TEC Namur-Luxembourg | 2024 | Since 2024 | 1 circle route in city centre |
 West Midlands | 2,953,816 | All bus operators in the West Midlands | 2024 | 9–13 December 2024 | Free bus travel in the West Midlands bus boundary between 7pm and 3am.[54] |
 Avesta Municipality | 21,000 | Dalatrafik | 2012[55] | Until 2021. | Ended due to increased operating costs. |
| Vellinge | 37,700 | Skånetrafiken | 2020 | since 2020 | Only for residents aged 70 or more within the confines of the county, and young adults aged 16 - 19 who may travel on Skånetrafiken and Öresundstågen services in Skåne [56][57] |
| Kiruna | 18,090 | 2011 | From 2011 to 2012–12 | [58] | |
| Övertorneå | 2,000 | 70 km of free rides on local buses in this rural municipality [citation needed] | |||
 Bełchatów | 56,973 | Miejski Zakład Komunikacji Sp. z o.o. | 2015 | Since 28 May 2015 | Unconditionally free for all users. |
| Żory | 62,625 | 2014 | Since 1 May 2014 | Unconditionally free for all users. | |
| Lubin | 72,951 | 2014 | Since 1 September 2014 | Unconditionally free for all users. | |
| Olkusz | 36,122 | 2013 | Between 1 September 2013 and 31 December 2014 | For car owners registered in this municipality only. | |
| Ostrołęka | 52,337 | 2017 | Since 28 October 2017 | Unconditionally free for all users. | |
| Starachowice |
43,883 | 2022 | Since 1 April 2022 | For residents and tax payers in this municipality (and their minor family members.[59] | |
 Lugoj | 37,700 | 2013 | Starting 1 July 2013 | [60] | |
| Cluj-Napoca | 411,379 | 2021 | Starting 18 June 2021 | Free transportation on tram and bus lines every Friday[61] | |
| Ploiești | 201,226 | TCE S.A. | 2014 | Starting 31 March 2014 | The benefits are limited to city residents with an income under 3,000 RON per month (about €670).[62] |
| Arad | 145,078 | CTP Arad S.A. | 2023 | Starting 7 July 2023 | Free transportation on tram and bus lines every Friday.[63] |
 Ilioupoli | 78,153 | Municipality | Free transportation to all, but only local buses, for specifically only local municipality buses.[64] | ||
 Akureyri, Iceland | 18,803 | 2007 | Since 1 January 2007 | [65] | |
 Tallinn | 435,245 | 2013 | Since 1 January 2013 | Tallinn is currently the largest city offering free public transport for its residents. Regional buses are excluded from the scheme. Elron commuter trains are also free inside the city limits.[66] Tallinn is also the first capital with free public transport for its residents. | |
| Keila | 9,873 | 2013 | Since February 2013 | ||
| Türi | 6,174 | [67] | |||
 Lübben | 14,500 | Has been stopped | Influenced by Hasselt | ||
| Kelheim | 122,258 | VLK | 2021 | Since November 2021 | Free buses since November 2021 within Kelheim County |
| Templin | 16,500 | Has been stopped | |||
| Augsburg | 295,135 | SWA | 2020 | Since 1 January 2020 | Free public transport within a zone downtown called "City-Zone" |
| Erlangen | 116,562 | ESTW | 2024 | Since 1 January 2024 | Free use of all buses in the inner city for everybody |
| Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld (Rheinland) | 46,072 + 60,926 | Free use of all buses and the lightrail lines S6 and S68 in the city areas of Monheim am Rhein, Langenfeld (Rheinland) and Düsseldorf-Hellerhof, for residents of Monheim am Rhein only | |||
 Senec | 19,900 | MAD Senec | 2013 | Since 1 November 2013 | Since 1 April 2018 city transport has two bus lines. Temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic until 1 September.[68] |
| Aubagne | 42,900 (100,000 in the area concerned) | 2009 | Since 15 May 2009 | The Aubagne tramway is considered to be the first completely fare-free tram system in the world.[69] | |
| Bar-le-Duc | 15,700 | 2008 | Since 1 September 2008 | ||
| Boulogne-Billancourt | 110,000 | 1992 | Since 1992 | ||
| Castres | 62,500 | 2008 | Since October 2008 | ||
| Châteauroux | 47,127 | 2001 | Since 2001 | ||
| Colomiers | 28,538 | 1971 | Since 1971 | The first area of France to offer zero-fare public transport which is still in operation at present | |
| Compiègne | 40,028 | 1975 | Since 1975 | [70] | |
| Dunkirk | 91,000 | Municipality | 2015: free weekend service, fall 2018: full service[71][72] | ||
| Figeac | 9,900 | 2003 | Since 2003–2009 | ||
| Issoudun | 13,500 | 1989 | Since 1989 | Has free in the name of the service (Transport Issoudun Gratuit). Works on certain days of the week in the afternoons only. | |
| Libourne | 23,000 | 2009 | Since 1 January 2009 for under 18s Since 28 August 2010 for everyone | ||
| Manosque | 22,200 | 2010 | since 1 January 2010 | ||
| Niort | 122 000 | Communauté d'agglomération du Niortais | 2017 | Since 1 September 2017 | |
| Vitré | 15,313 | 2001 | Since spring 2001 | First French urban agglomeration to do so. | |
 Catania | 315,000 | Amt, Metropolitana di Catania, Università degli Studi di Catania | 2018 | Since 10 April 2018[73] | Free metro and bus lines to all local university students |
 Třeboň | 8,700 | ČSAD Jindřichův Hradec a. s. | 2002 | Between 2002–2002 and 2007–2008 | Under Mayor Jiří Houdek (KDU-ČSL), city transport has only one bus line (No 340300), influenced by US school buses |
| Prague | 1,285,000 | Many operators (first of all Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy) | 2002 | Between 2002 and 2008–2015 (ca) and 25 August 2002, during the Vltava flood and flooding of the Prague metro system | Also always during time of the smog or other emergency (used rarely – 1996–1997 for 2 day, 1992–1993 for 4 days).[74][75] |
| Hořovice | 6,800 | Probo Trans Beroun s. r. o. | 2008 | Since March 2008 | City transport has only one bus line (no. 210009 alias C09 or C9) |
| Valašské Meziříčí | 27,300 | ČSAD Vsetín a. s. | 2009 | Between 14 June 2009 and 14 July 2009, again since September 2017[76][77] | City transport has five bus lines |
| Přelouč | 9,000 | Veolia Transport Východní Čechy a. s. | 2009 | Between 1 December 2009 and 6 March 2010 | Initial price at the newly established first city bus line (no. 665101) |
| Frýdek-Místek | 58,200 | ČSAD Frýdek-Místek a. s. | 2011 | Since 27 March 2011 | Only 365-day chip coupon (however the chip card costs 299 Kč and prolongation 1 Kč) and user must to not be a debtor toward the city. Number of passengers has increased from 3.8 million in 2010 to 5.7 million in 2013. Since 2014, it is possible to travel free on regional bus lines to next 18 villages and towns. Population in the serviced area is 100,000. Chip card for free public transport has 25,000 passengers. |
| Strakonice | 22,900 | ČSAD STTRANS a. s. | 2018 | Since 1 January 2018 | In 2017, the city bus transport was free for senior citizens, children and students up to 26 years; since 2018, buses are free for all, but only in the city zone (sections outside the city are still paid).[78][79] |
| Lovosice | 8,700 | BusLine a. s., renamed to TD BUS a.s. | 2018 | Since 28 January 2018[80] | The only bus line no. 558001 started 10 years ago, 2008-01-28 |
| Litoměřice | 24,000 | BusLine a. s., renamed to TD BUS a.s. | 2018 | Since 1 May 2018[81] | Two bus lines |
| Říčany | 12,400 | ČSAD Benešov a. s. (ICOM group) | 2018 | Since 3 September 2018[82] | 3 intervallic lines (yellow, red and blue) and 3 school lines (Š1, Š2, Š3), licence numbers 289001–289006, in working days only. Previous lines of Prague Integrated Transport remain paid. |
| Kolín | 33,289 | Okresní autobusová doprava Kolín, s.r.o. | 2023 | Since 1 January 2023[83] | |
 Tórshavn | 20,000 | Tórshavn City Council | Six different bus lines[84] | ||
 Jagodina | 76,712 | City | 2019 | Since January 2019 | Also includes 52 villages and settlements around Jagodina that are connected with the city.[85] |
 Kryvyi Rih |
603 904 | Municipality | 2022 | Including trams, metrotram, and trolleybus[86] | |
| Kharkiv |
1,421,125 | Municipality | 2022 | Including trams, metro, and trolleybus[87] | |
| Belgrade | 1,197,714 | City | 2025 | Since 1 January 2025 | Free transport; includes all forms of public transport within the Belgrade Metropolitan Area.[88][89] |
Asia
| Town/City | Population | Operator | Begin operation | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheremushki, Khakassia, Russia | 9,000 | trams are serviced by Dam's staff | zero fare is official to anybody (de jure service line because the taxes would be higher than revenues) | ||
 Jakarta, Indonesia | 10,770,487 | TransJakarta | 2016 | Three free city tour buses and all Mikrotrans feeder routes | |
 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1,790,000 | SKS Bus | 31 August 2012 | Go KL City Bus | |
 New Delhi, India | 20,000,000 (concerned for 9,000,000 women) | State Government | 2019 | free bus services for women | |
 Tel Aviv District, Israel | 1,350,000 | Na'im Busofash | 22 November 2019 | Free weekend public transportation array that exists in 6 authorities in Gush Dan – Givatayim, Kiryat Ono, Ramat HaSharon, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Yehud-Monosson and Shoham. | |
| Tiberias, Israel | 41,300 | Tiberias city council | 2019 | one bus line that goes on Saturdays | |
 Hwaseong, South Korea | 934,441 | Hwaseong city | 2020 | Fare-free bus service for the children, youth, and elderly | |
 Bangkok, Thailand | 8,249,000 | several | In some bus lines in older unair-conditioned bus (fare prices are also about age/equipment of bus). Also time and again for new public metro tracks for several months. | ||
 Ovacık, Turkey | 6,998 | Ovacık municipality | 2014 | All municipality-operated buses are free[90] | |
| Tunceli, Turkey | 38,429 | Tunceli municipality | 2019 | Free in three neighbourhoods that doesn't have privately operated public bus[90] | |
| Tamil Nadu, India | 72,147,030 (concerned for 36,009,055 women) | State Government | 2021 | free metro and bus services for women[91] | |
Americas
Brazil
| Town/City | Population | Operator | First year | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agudos, SP | 36,700 | local government | 2011 | since 2011 | [92][93][94] |
| Ivaiporã, PR | 31,812 | local government | 2011 | since 2011 | [92][93][94] |
| Porto Real, RJ | 16,574 | local government | 2011 | since 2011 | [92][93] |
| Potirendaba, SP | 15,449 | local government | 1998 | since 1998 | [95] |
| Paulínia, SP | 86,800 | local government | 2013 | since 2013 | [96] |
| Maricá, RJ | 146,549 | Empresa Pública de Transportes – EPT | 2014 | since 2014 | [97] |
| Muzambinho, MG | 21,975 | local government | 2011 | since 2011 | [98] |
| Pitanga, PR | 32,645 | local government | 2012 | since 2012 | [99] |
| Silva Jardim, RJ | 21,307 | local government | 2014 | since 2014-02-15 | [100] |
| Vargem Grande Paulista, SP | 48,720 | 2019 | since 2019 | [101] |
Canada
| Town/City | Population | Operator | First Year | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candiac, Quebec | 21,000 | 2014 | |||
| Canmore, Alberta | 13,000 | ROAM | 2019 | [102] | |
| Cold Lake, Alberta | 15,000 | Cold Lake Transit | [103] | ||
| La Prairie, Quebec | 23,000 | 2014 | |||
| Mont Tremblant, Quebec | 10,000 | Mont-Tremblant Public Transit | 2019 | [104] | |
| Orangeville, Ontario | 30,700 | Orangeville Transit | 2023 | [105] | |
| Sainte-Julie, Quebec | 30,000 | 2014 | |||
| Saint-Philippe, Quebec | 5,500 | 2014 |
United States
| Town/City | Population | Service/operator | First year | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, New Mexico | 564,559 | ABQ RIDE | 2022 | [106] | |
| Alexandria, Virginia | 159,467 | DASH (bus) | 2021 | [107] | |
| Athens, Georgia | 126,913 | Athens Transit | 2021 | [108] | |
| Avon, Colorado | 6,115 | Avon/Beaver Creek Transit | 2021 | [109] | |
| Blacksburg, Virginia | 44,826 | Blacksburg Transit | 2020[110]. | since 2020 | BT halted the collection of fares in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Blacksburg Town Council voted unanimously to stick with the status quo and permanently approved a fare-free[111] system[112]. |
| Boone, North Carolina | 17,122 | AppalCart[113] | 1981 | since 1981 | combination of funding from the town, Appalachian State University, Watauga County, and state and federal agencies. |
| Boston, Massachusetts | 675,647 | several MBTA key bus routes (23, 28, and 29) | 2021 | 2021 until February 28, 2026 | |
| Breckenridge, Colorado | 4,901 | Free Ride Transit System | 1997 | ||
| Cache Valley, Utah | Cache Valley Transit District | 2000 | since 2000 | ||
| Canby, Oregon | 15,829 | Canby Area Transit | |||
| Chadron, Nebraska | 5,488 | City of Chadron | |||
| Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina | 70,000+ | Chapel Hill Transit | 2002 | since 2002 | operated by the Town of Chapel Hill to serve Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and UNC-Chapel Hill; supported by taxpayers and University fee-payers |
| Clallam County, Washington | 77,805 | Clallam Transit | 2024 | one-year pilot | Does not apply to long-distance routes and Hurricane Ridge shuttle[9] |
| Clemson, South Carolina | 11,939 | Clemson Area Transit | partnership between Clemson University and surrounding communities | ||
| Commerce, California | 41,000 | City of Commerce Municipal Bus Lines | 1962 | since 1962 | all transportation services are free of charge[114] |
| Coral Gables, Florida | 42,871 | ||||
| Corvallis, Oregon | 54,462 | Corvallis Transit System | 2011 | since February 2011 | [115] |
| Dayton, Ohio | 137,644 | Flyer Shuttle Bus operated by the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority | 2018 | since 2018 | Shuttle connects downtown Dayton and University of Dayton[116] |
| Detroit, Michigan | 639,000 | Q Line operated by the Detroit Transport Authority | 2017 | since 2017 | Connecting northern suburbs to central Detroit[117] |
| Detroit, Michigan | 639,000 | Detroit People Mover | 2024 | since 2024 | Sponsored pilot project. |
| Ellensburg, Washington | 20,326 | Central Transit | [9] | ||
| El Paso County, Texas | 865,657 | El Paso Transportation Authority | 2025 | until 2026 | [118] |
| Emeryville, California | 9,727 | Emery Go Round | |||
| Fairfax, Virginia | 24,276 | CUE Bus | 2020 | Until June 30, 2026 | [119] CUE stopped collecting fares in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since continued operating zero-fare. Funded in part by the Fairfax, Virginia and a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. |
| Fort Collins, Colorado | 169,810 | Transfort | 2020 | Transfort stopped collecting fares in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since continued operating zero-fare. As of January 2023, the city is considering keeping Transfort fare-free permanently.[120] | |
| Grant County, Washington | Grant Transit Authority | 2020 | Became permanently fare-free in 2022.[121] | ||
| Island County, Washington | 81,054 | Island Transit | 1987 | since 1987 | |
| Hawaii County, Hawaii | 206,315 | Hele-On Bus | 2021 | until the end of 2025 | [122] |
| Iowa City, Iowa | 74,828 | Iowa City Transit | 2023 | through 2026 | [123] |
| Jefferson County, Washington | Jefferson Transit | 2024 | since January 2024[124] | ||
| Kansas City, Missouri | 301,500 | RideKC buses and KC Streetcar | 2019 | 2019–2023 | The first large U.S. city to implement a universal, systemwide fare-free scheme after a unanimous City Council vote to make RideKC buses Zero Fare through 2023. The bus system previously cost travelers $1.50 per ride or $50 for a monthly pass, while the KC Streetcar has been fare free since it began service in 2016.[125] |
| Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho | 3,003 | Mountain Rides | |||
| Kootenai County, Idaho | Citylink | [126][127] | |||
| Lebanon, New Hampshire | 13,151 | Advance Transit | combination of state and federal funding and from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College. Also serves Hanover and White River Junction, Vermont | ||
| Logan, Utah | 49,534 | Cache Valley Transit District | 1992 | since 1992 | |
| Macomb, Illinois | 20,000 | Go West Transit | 2006 | since 2006 | |
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 560,000 | Transdev | 2018 | since 2018 | Hop streetcar services provided free through various sponsorships starting in 2018 |
| Mammoth Lakes, California | 8,234 | Eastern Sierra Transit Authority | |||
| Marion, Indiana | 29,948 | Marion Area Transit System | 2008 | since 2008 | |
| Martin County, Florida | 158,431 | Martin County Public Transit | 2025 | since 2025 | [128] |
| Mason County, Washington | 61,019 | Mason Transit Authority | 1992[9] | Fares charged on intra-county routes | |
| Missoula, Montana | 69,122 | Missoula Urban Transportation District | |||
| Montgomery County, Maryland | 1,082,273 | Ride On | 2019 | 2019: under 18,[129] July 2025: all riders[130] | |
| Moscow, Idaho | 25,146 | SMART Transit | [131] | ||
| Mountain View, California | 81,500 | Google and City of Mountain View | Mountain View Community Shuttle, electric bus service 10AM to 6PM daily | ||
| Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, Washington | Muckleshoot Indian Tribe | [132] | |||
| New York City, New York | 16,692,900[133] | MTA Regional Bus Operations – Q70 bus | 2022 | since May 2022[134] | The Q70 bus route has been permanently fare-free since May 2022.[134] The Q4, B60, Bx18, M116 and S46/96 temporarily became fare-free 24 September 2023,[135] but fares were reinstated 31 August 2024.[136] |
| New York City, New York | 16,692,900[133] | Roosevelt Island Red Bus | 2014 | since April 2014[137] | |
| New York City, New York | 16,692,900[133] | Staten Island Ferry (NYCDOT) | 1997 | since July 1997[138] | |
| Olympia/Thurston County, Washington | 252,264 | Intercity Transit | 2020 | 2020–2027 | 5-year pilot, later extended to 2027[9] |
| Park City, Utah | 8,300 | Park City Transit, High Valley Transit | Also serves Snyderville Basin | ||
| Provo, Utah/Orem, Utah | 215,175 | Utah Transit Authority | 2018 | since 2018 | Utah Valley Express (UVx) Bus-Rapid Transit Line only. UVX fare has been covered by a Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement grant through 2021.[139] |
| Richmond, Virginia | 226,610 | Greater Richmond Transit Company | 2020 | through 2026 | [140] |
| Rome, Georgia | 37,746 | Rome Transit Department (RTD) | 2021 | until 29 December 2023 (planned) | Beginning on 4 October 2021, the City of Rome Transit Department began offering free Fixed-Route Transit Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fare adjustment is currently set to expire on 29 December 2023. |
| Sandy, Oregon | 9,570 | Sandy Area Metro | 2000 | since 2000 | |
| Spokane Indian Reservation, Washington | Spokane Tribe of Indians | [141] | |||
| Stanford, California | 13,809 | Stanford Marguerite Shuttle | |||
| Starkville, Mississippi | 23,888 | Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit | |||
| Tacoma, Washington | 216,279 | Sound Transit T Line | 2003 | 2023 | Eliminated after extension |
| Tampa, Florida | 380,000 | TECO Line Streetcar | 2018 | Service with fares started in 2002, free since 2018. | |
| Tucson, Arizona | 1,043,433 | Sun Tran | 2020 | Fare free for the entire Tucson Metropolitan Area since Spring 2020. Originally a pandemic-era temporary measure, it is now permanent.[142][143] | |
| Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | [144] | |||
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan | 120,000 | University of Michigan Transit Services | |||
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota | 51,853 | U of M Transitway | 1992 | since 1992 | |
| Vail, Colorado | 4,589 | over 20 hours of service every day during winter | |||
| Vero Beach, Florida | 15,220 | GoLine | free 14-route public transit system serves 700,000 annual riders | ||
| Walla Walla, Washington | 50,600 | Valley Transit | 1981 | Until 2026[145] | |
| Westchester County | 1,004,457[146] | Bee-Line Bus System | 2022 | June 1 through September 5 (Labor Day)[147] | |
| Wilmington, Vermont | 2,225 | Deerfield Valley Transit Association | 1996 | since 1996 | free 13-route public transit system operated by Southeast Vermont Transit serving 200,000 riders annually and providing commuter bus service between Bennington and Brattleboro. Operates as "the MOOver". |
| Wilsonville, Oregon | 19,509 | South Metro Area Regional Transit | |||
| Worcester, Massachusetts | 206,518 | Worcester Regional Transit Authority | 2020 | since 2020 | All buses fare-free |
| Yakama Indian Reservation, Washington | Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation | [148] | |||
| Irvine, California | 307,670 | City of Irvine | 2024 | since 2024 | operated by local municipal government, beginning as a one-year pilot[149] |
Oceania
Australia
| Town/City | Population | Service/operator | First year | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Adelaide CBD, South Australia |
18,202 | Adelaide Metro | Four bus routes that run a loop around the CBD and neighbouring North Adelaide are free, as well as all trams between the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and South Terrace.[150] | ||
 Alice Springs, Northern Territory |
25,912 | CDC Northern Territory | 2025 | since 2025 | [151] |
| Darwin, Northern Territory |
139,902 | CDC Northern Territory | 2025 | since 2025 | [151] |
 Docklands, Victoria |
15,495 | Yarra Trams | 2015 | since 2014 | All trams in the suburb are within the tram network's Free Tram Zone.[152] |
| Melbourne CBD, Victoria |
54,941 | Yarra Trams | 2015 | since 2015 | All trams in the suburb north of the Yarra River are within the tram network's Free Tram Zone.[152] |
 Perth CBD, Western Australia |
13,670 | Transperth | Free travel on buses and on trains between City West, Elizabeth Quay, and Claisebrook.[153] |
Perception and analysis
Fare-free transit has been repeatedly demonstrated to increase ridership—especially during non-peak travel periods—and customer satisfaction.[154] Several analyses[155][156][157] have shown ridership increased by as much as 15% overall and about 45% during the off-peak periods. The effects on public transport operators included schedule adherence problems because of the increased ridership and more complaints about rowdiness from younger passengers, though there is a reduction in altercations relating to fare collection.[155] When the University of California, Los Angeles covered fares for the university community, ridership increased by 56% in the first year and solo driving fell by 20%.[157]
In the United States, mass transit systems that collect fares are only expected to generate about 10% of the annual revenue themselves, with the remainder covered by either public or private investment and advertisements.[125] Therefore, politicians and social-justice advocacy groups, such as the Swedish network Planka.nu, see zero-fare public transport as a low-cost, high-impact approach to reducing economic inequality.[158] It has also been argued that transportation to and from work is essential to the employer in the managing of work hours, so financing of public transportation should fall to employers rather than private individuals or public funds.[159]
See also
- Car-free movement
- Effects of the car on societies
- Movimento Passe Livre, Brazilian movement campaigning for free public transport
- Planka.nu Swedish membership network which pays the penalty fare if you get caught without paying ticket
- Reduced fare programs
- Transport divide
- Universal basic services
- Universal transit pass
- Urban vitality
- 9-Euro-Ticket (in Germany in June, July and August 2022)
Further reading
- Štraub, Daniel; Hess, Daniel Baldwin (2025). "Re-examining fare-free public transport for greater inclusivity". Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 33.