Fare-free service on WRTA extended to June 2024
WORCESTER — The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board voted unanimously on Thursday to extend fare-free service until June 2024.
“Transportation is a significant expense for families – especially low-income families who rely on public transit systems like the WRTA to get to jobs, schools, medical appointments, and cultural and religious centers,” Andy Saltzberg of the Worcester Zero Fare Coalition said in a press release. “With the extension of the free-fare bus program, people and families in WRTA service areas will continue to have an affordable and equitable transit system we can all be proud of.”
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau advocated for a fare-free Worcester Regional Transit Authority in a May 2019 report, and the idea quickly gained traction in the city as a way to boost the transit authority’s ridership, make the system more economically and socially equitable, and help the environment.
But it took the coronavirus pandemic to implement the change.
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority suspended fares in March 2020 and instituted rear-door boarding to ease congestion and allow greater social distancing. It also substantially reduced service as ridership plummeted while people stayed home.
Since then, the advisory board has extended the fare-free rides multiple times, the last time being until June 2023.
It also made fare-free service a part of the annual budget discussions.
In the first budget discussion for 2024, the WRTA Audit and Finance committee unanimously recommended continuing fare-free service another year by using Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act money to make up for lost passenger revenue. The full advisory board endorsed the recommendation Thursday, approving the budget recommendation.
“A fare-free WRTA not only promotes equity and economic mobility for all residents, but it also supports local economic revitalization,” state Sen. Robyn Kennedy said in a statement. “As one of the senators representing the 1st Worcester district, I remain committed to advocating for the resources necessary to ensure our transit system continues to thrive. I am grateful for the WRTA's partnership in this critical work, and I look forward to continuing to work together.”
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: WRTA fare-free service extended to June 2024
