What future for free public transport in US after COVID-19? – Thomson Reuters Foundation
Many cities went to fareless systems to protect public health or boost flagging ridership, but are now focused on equity
By Carey L. Biron March 16
When the transit system in Richmond, Virginia, decided at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to stop collecting fares on its buses, the initial motivation was to have the public board through the rear doors to keep bus drivers safe.
it quickly became clear the effects were far broader, with ridership on local routes rising higher than it had been before the health emergency, officials said, even as public transport use was plummeting all over the country.
“People were still catching the bus, even though the majority of the city was working from home. We realized the only reason they’d get on the bus and risk transmission is they had to be essential workers,” said Faith Walker, executive director of the Richmond advocacy group RVA Rapid Transit.
it quickly became clear the effects were far broader, with ridership on local routes rising higher than it had been before the health emergency, officials said, even as public transport use was plummeting all over the country.
“People were still catching the bus, even though the majority of the city was working from home. We realized the only reason they’d get on the bus and risk transmission is they had to be essential workers,” said Faith Walker, executive director of the Richmond advocacy group RVA Rapid Transit.
