Council urges continued funding for MBTA fare‑free pilot on 23, 28 and 29 routes
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Summary
Council passed a resolution urging continuation of the MBTA fare‑free bus pilot covering routes 23, 28 and 29, citing data the sponsors said showed 24,000 fare‑free trips per weekday and a 35% ridership increase; sponsors noted the pilot currently relies on ARPA funds (estimated $300,000/month).
Councilor Pepin filed and the council adopted a resolution urging continued funding of the MBTA fare‑free bus pilot for routes 23, 28 and 29.
Pepin highlighted the pilot’s performance data: "Since the beginning of the fare free pilot, nearly 24,000 trips are taken fare free every weekday on routes 23, 28, and 29," and said ridership grew by 35% in the first year. He described effects including time savings and increased ridership on routes serving lower‑income neighborhoods.
He told colleagues the current pilot has been funded with ARPA dollars and estimated an approximate monthly cost of $300,000, noting that those funds will expire and urging the city and MBTA to collaborate on sustainable funding options. Supporters including Councilor Culpepper pointed to household savings and the program’s equity benefits; some members asked for a larger, city‑wide design or a hearing on cost and coverage.
The council adopted Docket 0425 by roll‑call; the clerk recorded 12 votes in the affirmative and 1 in the negative.
