WORCESTER, Mass. — Simple in its mission but radical in its impact — that's how Sen. Ed Markey describes free fares on the WRTA.
"Transportation should be a collective public good," said Markey. "And a catalyst not just moving people from Point A to Point B, but for moving our very society forward."
Markey was in Worcester to celebrate another year of free rides on WRTA buses. The WRTA's advisory board voted unanimously to continue the program for a fifth year.
What You Need To Know
- Senator Ed Markey was in Worcester to celebrate free fares on WRTA buses
- The WRTA's Advisory Board voted unanimously last week to continue the program for a fifth year
- The WRTA will be using CARES Act funding to pay for the fares over the next year
- Markey says Worcester and the WRTA are setting the standard for the rest of the country
Right now, the WRTA is the longest-running fare free regional transit authority in the United States. The senator says low-income families spend 30% of their income on transportation, and Worcester is setting the standard by providing free transportation.
"Millions of rides means hundreds of thousands of lives impacted for the better," Markey said. "It's a win for our community, our economy and our environment. Public transportation emits 50% less greenhouse gas per passenger per mile than a private vehicle."
Free fares have come with a significant jump in ridership, with nearly four million riders using WRTA buses last year. But Markey and city leaders say a year isn't long enough, and fares should be free permanently.
"Free public transportation is a gateway," said Markey. "A gateway to jobs, an education, a gateway to medical care."
"Especially with the high price of the rental market now, we have this opportunity where people can actually have free transportation around the city of Worcester," said Worcester Mayor Joe Petty.