BOSTON — The City of Boston is making several bus routes free to riders, using federal money, for the next two years, starting March 1.
This program extends the current fare-free Route 28 pilot program and eliminates fares on two other busy bus lines - Routes 23 and 29.
The program will be funded through $8 million in money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Route 23 route runs from Ashmont to Dorchester Center, Grove Hall & Ruggles.
The Route 28 bus route runs from Mattapan Square to Blue Hill Ave. to Nubian Square & Ruggles.
The Route 29 bus route runs from Mattapan Square to Blue Hill Ave. to Jackson Square.
The city says each serves a diverse ridership and connects riders who are underserved by the existing transit network, according to the city.
“As we work to ensure every resident knows about the program, we hope this is just the beginning of access to fare-free public transit in Boston,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to partner with the MBTA to expand this successful ongoing program and look forward to working with our partners across the Commonwealth to build a sustainable, reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation system that truly serves our residents and our local economy.”
“We were pleased to collaborate with the City on the Route 28 pilot and now to expand the program to include these additional routes for the next two years,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The benefits experienced by customers on the 28 are being expanded to a broader group of riders, and we appreciate the City of Boston’s willingness to make this happen by providing funding.”
The city says these three routes have some of the highest ridership in the City of Boston. After the city eliminated fares last August, Route 28 ridership increased to more than 12,000 riders a day, making it the most popular route in the system.
The city believes the expansion of this fare-free program will lead to increased ridership, faster buses, less traffic, and business development, over a longer period of time.
“Sounds good to me,” said Nathaniel Beaver who rides bus 23.
“The fare-free 28 bus has been a blessing to myself and my community,” said Peggy James, MBTA 28 bus rider and Boston resident. “All of my daily activities, including going grocery shopping, heading to the laundry, and picking up my medicine, have been made easier due to this program. Since the fare-free program was implemented, my commutes have been a lot more enjoyable, with fewer hiccups and stalling at bus stops along the route.”
Still, some wish the money went elsewhere.
“I live in Mattapan where you still have the trolley,” said Kiana Brown MBTA 28 rider and Mattapan resident. “I would like to see that system upgrade. It’s nice what they’re doing with free rides but I would just like to see better transit infrastructure like in Mattapan & Dorchester, those less affluent areas.”
Even though these 3 buses are free, riders will still have to pay for transfers to other MBTA routes and services.
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