Regional

SRTA Fare-Free Study

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority has provided fare-free transit to New Bedford, Fall River, and the surrounding towns since January 1, 2024. SRPEDD is analyzing the economic and community benefits and impacts of the fare-free policy in order to facilitate further improvements to public transit in the Southeast region.

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The SRTA and SRPEDD are studying the impacts of fare-free bus routes.

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority has provided transit service to Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport since 1974.

In spite of national public transit ridership levels declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership among Massachusetts's regional transit authorities (RTAs) have increased above their pre-pandemic levels. On SRTA bus routes, rides grew 55.5% from July to November 2024 compared to the same period in Fiscal Year 2024, a gain of 555,878 rides. This dramatic increase is attributed in large part to the fare-free program.

Continuing SRTA's successful fare-free policy will require ongoing commitment and coordination between SRTA and the state. In order to facilitate this process, SRPEDD is conducting an analysis to examine the impacts of SRTA's fare-free policy.

SRTA bus at night showing passengers boarding.

How is fare-free funded?

The fare-free policy is supported by the Fair Share Act, passed in 2022, which created a 4% surtax on annual income above $1 million. Funds raised by this act are dedicated to investments in public education and transportation, including making all regional transportation authorities fare-free.

Stay Connected

We want to hear from you! If you ride the SRTA buses or are intersted in the results of this study, please use the links below to engage with the project team.

Survey

Click on the icon to take our survey. Tell us how you use public transit and how the fare-free service has impacted you!

Comment Form

Leave us a comment or question you have about the project! We will try our best to respond to any questions we recieve in a timely manner.

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SRTA Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan

The SRTA Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan identifies key goals and strategies for the agency over the next five years. Some of these goals include developing strategic service changes while addressing workforce staffing, retaining fare-free routes, extending operating hours and enhancing security, and improving regional connectivity.

Read the full plan here

Fare-Free Public Buses are Yielding Results in Southeastern MA

January 13, 2025 - Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center finds that fare-free buses at SRTA increased ridership 56% during July to December comparing 2024 and 2025. Even with more riders entering and exiting buses, on-time performance improved without the need for drivers to collect and enforce fares.

Read this article on MassBudget