MA: Worcester City Council signals support for fare-free bus service

"The City Council Tuesday night signaled support for a deeper exploration into the feasibility of a fare-free public transportation system.

Councilors supported an order from at-large City Councilor Gary Rosen to request that public hearings on the idea be held through the city through the council's Public Service and Transportation Committee. Residents and local transit advocates at the meeting said moving to a fare-free system would help address a host of issues, including accessibility, equity, environmental justice, and traffic congestion.

Rosen said from what he has seen and heard about other municipalities that have gone fare-free - including Kansas City, Olympia, Wash., and on a limited basis, Lawrence - the move has resulted in increased ridership. That's what the aim would be in the city, Rosen said, filling empty buses."