I always thought my city's bus system would be more efficient if they didn't have to bother with charging everyone $1.50 for a ticket when they board.

In fact, they did have free fare this summer in an effort to improve the air quality. Ridership was much higher, and the driver didn't have to mess with the finicky cash machine at every stop.

Most of the people who take the bus here are poor and/or disabled, anyway. I'd love it if they could do away with fares, but I know they're doing the best they can with their limited funding.

[–] tacosanonymous@lemm.ee 17 points 11 months ago (1 children)

My bus ride to work shortened by 10 minutes after getting rid of fares. It mostly serviced a poorer area of town to the downtown hub. Notable stops are a grocery store and the public library where 10-15 people swaps would occur.

Fare free is a great move towards equity too.

[–] kurwa@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago

Man I wish I had better public transit where I live. Gotta drive cars everywhere, seeing a bus is like seeing a unicorn.