Boston extends free trips on three bus routes

The city of Boston has announced it will be extending its fare-free bus programme on three routes until March 2026.

The programme, which was set to end later this month, will continue to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) at an estimated cost of US$8.4 million over the course of two years.

“Fare-free bus routes have been proven to make public transportation more convenient, accessible and affordable for our residents who depend on transit to get to work and school,” said Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston.

“Community members have emphasised that this programme helps them save money and encourages more trips without worrying about exact change or rationing travel.

“Since this programme started, we have seen similar initiatives take off around the commonwealth and the country.”

The routes run along some of the highest ridership bus corridors in the city.

Since the initial implementation of its programme, other transport agencies across Massachusetts have introduced similar policies.

Merrimack Valley Transit, which serves around 2.8 million passengers annually, made all of its bus and paratransit routes fare-free in March 2022.

Sustainability

The city of Boston estimates that passengers have saved around US$6 million in bus fees over the last two years through its scheme, with around half saying they’ve saved an average of US$35 a month.

Since being elected in 2021, Mayor Wu has focused on expanding affordable and accessible public transportation.

In October 2023, she announced a discounted annual Bluebikes pass that cuts over half the cost of the normal annual rate.

The city is also connecting neighbourhoods with a protected bike-lane network.

Other projects have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and congestion caused by deliveries.

In September 2023, the city launched Boston Delivers, an e-cargo bike delivery pilot programme.

Partnering with last-mile provider Net Zero Logistics, the programme will run for 18 months, and also serves as a case study for The Urban Freight Lab at The University of Washington to help inform worldwide efforts to encourage deliveries on e-cargo bikes.

Speaking before its launch, Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Boston’s Chief of Streets said: “The growth of car-based delivery services has negatively impacted our streets by adding congestion and increasing unsafe and illegal parking.

“This pilot will help us explore alternatives by offering convenient delivery options that support neighbourhood businesses while keeping our streets safe and moving.”

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