Sponsors (27)
The bill expands fare-free public transit to increase mobility, equity, and local environmental benefits for many riders, but risks creating ongoing local fiscal pressure and uneven rural benefits unless sustained alternative funding is secured.
Low-income people, non-drivers, and transit-dependent residents gain improved access to safe, reliable public transit, increasing mobility and access to jobs, education, and services.
Local and state governments receive federal investment to launch or expand fare-free public transit, lowering out-of-pocket travel costs for riders and enabling new or expanded services.
Communities with expanded transit may see reduced traffic congestion and lower local air pollution, improving local livability and environmental quality.
State and local governments could face ongoing operating costs if federal funding is temporary or insufficient, possibly forcing local tax increases or budget reallocations.
Transit agencies may lose fare revenue under fare-free service and could be forced to cut service or reduce quality if alternative sustained funding is not secured.
Rural and low-density communities may receive less benefit if investments concentrate on higher-ridership urban systems, leaving equity gaps.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a DOT competitive grant program to fund fare-free public transit and related service, safety, accessibility, and equity improvements, covering lost fare revenue and upgrades.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a grant program to support efforts to provide fare-free transit service, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Ayanna Pressley · Last progress July 23, 2025
Creates a competitive "Freedom to Move Grants" program at the Department of Transportation to help state, county, and local governments implement fare-free public transit and to expand, improve, and make mass transit safer, more accessible, and more reliable. Grants can cover lost fare revenue and a range of capital and operating improvements and run for up to five years. Applicants must submit plans showing how they will implement fare-free service, expand and redesign bus networks (with attention to low-income and historically underserved communities), conduct community outreach and partnerships, complete an equity evaluation using specified mobility metrics, and disclose fare enforcement practices. The Secretary must award grants within 360 days of enactment and prioritize both rural and urbanized areas and underserved communities.