Albuquerque eliminated the fare for the public bus system almost two years ago. In the following city work, Erin Lord outlines some of the impact the free fare program has had on city residents.
According to Road, “nearly 90% of Albuquerque bus riders have household incomes of less than $35,000 a year, and have no access to vehicles at a similar rate.” City officials cite this as one of the reasons why making transportation affordable and accessible is the “first purpose of public transport.” Free fares allow you to reach a permanent person, medical appointment, access social services, go to work and see your family.
Additionally, free transportation within the city will reduce the burden on non-profit social service providers.
Riderships have increased by 20% as Albuquerque first piloted free transport in 2022. Previously, fare revenues were only brought to agents with a budget of $67 million a year. Unlike other cities that rolled back the Zero-Fare program during the Covid era, Albuquerque appears to be committed to keeping transport free.
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