Council reaffirms support for fare-free transit, urges full funding while debating Union Station safety

The Springfield City Council on June 15 adopted a resolution reiterating the council’s support for fare-free public transportation and urging the state to fully fund the program.

Councelor Justin Hurst, who sponsored the resolution, said recent disturbances at Union Station and public discussion had prompted clarifying language and a renewed call for the legislature to back fully-funded, fare-free service rather than shifting local costs. Supporters framed fare-free transit as an economic-development and access measure.

Council debate focused on safety at Union Station. Councelor Davila said the problem is not the fare policy but insufficient coordinated outreach and enforcement; he urged more consistent staffing and recommended a sustained security and outreach presence rather than temporary rotation of officers. Councelor Govan recommended increased social-services outreach tied to grant-funded programs to reach young people who may be at risk and to reduce disorder.

The resolution passed after roll-call vote. The clerk recorded: Yes — Santanelo, Martin, Govan, Walsh, Davila, Fenton, Click Bruce, Edwards, Delgado (9); No — Hurst (1); Absent — Perez, Brown, Whitfield (3). The resolution reiterates the council’s support for fare-free public transit and asks the legislature to provide sufficient funding and resources to ensure operations and public safety.

Councilors also discussed coordinating with state and regional partners (including the sheriff’s office and transit agencies) and expanding outreach workers at Union Station to provide alternatives to enforcement-only approaches.

The resolution is an expression of policy preference; operational changes (security, outreach, funding) will require coordination with state agencies, the transit authority and law enforcement.