Sponsors (7)
The bill preserves targeted fare relief for vulnerable riders and allows locally funded universal free fares via a waiver, but it bars broad universal fare‑free policies by default and shifts potential costs and administrative burdens onto local governments, taxpayers, and businesses.
Low-income riders, seniors, and students keep access to targeted free or reduced fares, preserving affordable transit for vulnerable populations and supporting access to school and essential travel.
Local transit agencies can pursue a waiver if they secure dedicated non‑Federal operating revenue, creating a path for jurisdictions to implement universally free fares if they fully fund them locally.
Employer or third‑party fare agreements remain allowed, supporting employer-paid transit benefits and commuter programs that reduce employee travel costs.
The bill effectively prohibits universal, nationwide fare‑free policies, preventing cities from eliminating fares as a straightforward way to boost ridership and simplify transit operations.
If jurisdictions seek to make transit universally free, the requirement to fund it with non‑Federal dedicated revenue can shift fiscal pressure onto local taxpayers or businesses, raising local costs.
Middle‑income riders who would benefit from universal free fares remain reliant on paying fares under the bill, limiting expanded access for this group.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars federal transit grant recipients from adopting universal fare‑free policies, while allowing targeted free/reduced fares; waiver allowed if funded by dedicated non‑Federal operating revenue.
Introduced March 5, 2026 by Scott Perry · Last progress March 5, 2026
Prohibits recipients of federal transit assistance from implementing a universal fare-free policy that lets everyone ride free. Targeted free or reduced fares for groups like seniors, low-income riders, students, or riders whose fares are paid via an agreement are still allowed. The Secretary of Transportation can waive the ban if a recipient identifies a dedicated non‑Federal source of operating revenue to fully fund a universal fare‑free policy.