The Zero Fare Worcester Coalition is a group of grassroots activists, bus riders, local agencies, elected officials and community leaders united in their mission to make the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) permanently fare-free. Endorsed by 77 community, municipal, elected, and business leaders, including the Worcester City Council, Southbridge Town Council, Worcester Chamber of Commerce, SEIU 509, Imperial Distributors and major regional employers, our coalition represents a diverse range of voices committed to equitable transportation.
“I depend on the bus to get where I need to be in Worcester. For many years now I have almost entirely used public transportation and mostly the Worcester Buses. The buses becoming fare free for me was really helpful especially during the pandemic, when my family lost a lot of its income. Being low income, every single penny counts. transportation was always our biggest burden, it was a constant source of stress and anxiety. Even something like getting groceries would be so much more difficult without these buses right now. It feels like a weight off my shoulders to not have to worry about transportation now. Being able to get on any bus without any issue is a lifesaver.”
“In spring of 2018 I was involved in an accident and was no longer able to drive. Since then I have been depending on public transportation and using the Worcester bus lines regularly. And even though the fares didn't seem like much then becoming zero cost was a huge help for myself and I'm sure many others.”
“Growing up in Worcester we [youth] have always used the buses to get around. When you don't have a job and a car the fares really do add up. The free buses basically let a lot of people really start to explore the city, see friends, visit parks, that's something that we should keep going."
“As a Worcester resident, I have taken the bus for about twenty years and I’ve experienced it at many different levels of pricing. Throughout the time, it was way easier and quite helpful as a resident to have a way to venture, so to speak. Since covid, inflation across the nation has caused residents to take other means of transportation to combat rising costs as we’ve seen. And since the free bus initiative has started, I’ve noticed more residents taking ownership for the stability of their own lives. More so having that imperative action and option in transportation. Once it became free, I was able to acquire many of the necessities needed to start my business.”
During the pandemic, our advocacy efforts led to the suspension of fares in March 2020. Fare-free buses have had a transformative impact, enabling riders of all backgrounds, including seniors, families with children, and low-income individuals, to access vital resources such as job hubs, food, and healthcare. The success of the fare free policy is evident in increased ridership, economic benefits to our local communities, positive effects on climate and public health, and serving as an inspiration for similar programs in Boston and the Merrimack Valley.
This crucial community resource was at great risk of coming to an end in 2023. Through the diligent organizing of bus riders, a task force consisting of elected officials and business leaders, and WRTA Advisory Board members, our coalition leveraged our broad support into securing two extensions – one into the Spring of 2023, and a subsequent additional year extension. Through all the organizing of the Worcester area communities and key stakeholders, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority is fare free through July 2025, solidifying it as the longest running regional transit system in the country!
However, our fight isn’t over. With a new incoming Administrator for the WRTA and increased state funding for regional transit authorities, the WRTA is at a pivotal junction. We will continue to advocate tirelessly at the state and local level, emphasizing the importance and benefits of a permanent fare-free policy and to enhance WRTA services to better meet the needs of all residents, creating a more equitable and efficient public transit system that meets the needs of all.