© David DelPoio/Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, New York) – The MTA’s free fare pilot program will end on July 31st. Free MTA bus routes were set up in disadvantaged communities across the five boroughs. The program was aimed to give existing riders, who needed it a break from paying the bus fare.
It started in September 2023, and the purpose of the pilot was to study how fare-free service affects ridership, access, equity, and fare evasion. As the program sunsets, riders still may be eligible for the ‘Fair Fares NYC’ initiative, which offers up half priced MTA fares to those having a hard time paying their way. Riders can call 311 or visit a location to get help to apply for Fair Fares.
