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Councilmembers request report on fare-free Dash option after staff cites $370,000 in annual ad revenue
Summary
During a council meeting, members discussed analyzing a fare-free model for the city’s Dash buses. Transit staff said current contracts still collect fares for several services and that advertising on Dash buses brings in about $370,000 a year; staff agreed to return with a report on revenue and collection costs.
Councilmembers discussed an analysis of operating the city’s Dash neighborhood bus network without passenger fares and asked staff to return with a report on advertising revenue and fare‑collection costs.
A staff member said the city still incurs costs under the current fare‑collection contracts and that advertising placed on Dash buses generates “son trescientos setenta mil dólares por año” (about $370,000 per year). The staff member said contracts currently collect fares for Commuter Express, CityRide and a microtransit service, and that the city continues to pay contract costs while those collections remain in place.
Councilmember Hernández asked whether the city offers income‑based fare programs; the staff member said the city has a program referred to in the discussion as “Live,” which can be applied based on income and can make some transit services free to eligible riders. Members also asked about the robustness of the city’s bus‑advertising program and whether a different vendor or a more aggressive sales approach could increase revenue.
Staff told members they can provide a follow‑up report with details on current advertising revenue, how collections are handled under existing contracts, and comparisons with Metro’s advertising and fare arrangements. The transcript records agreement to provide that report; no final policy decision or formal vote on a fare‑free pilot was recorded in the meeting transcript.
