The US Transportation Department is hoping its proposal to restrict federal funding for certain sized transit agencies offering free fare will be included in the surface transportation bill, according to Politico. The proposal applies to transportation agencies located in areas with populations over 200,000 and a fleet of more than 100 buses. That could affect transit systems like Kansas City metro area; Richmond, Virginia; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, all of which currently offer free bus rides. However, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority plans to re-instate fares by June of this year.
Under the draft legislation, such cities that receive money from the Federal Transit Administration would be required to charge a fare. Otherwise, that federal funding would be withheld. There are some notable exceptions for free service, including seniors, people with disabilities, children, students and veterans.
More information is available here: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/03/dot-free-buses-mamdani-nyc-transportation-00762546