Traffic & Transit
Somerville Mulls Free Bus Fare Pilot
Taking a cue from neighboring Cambridge, some city leaders want to look at bringing a free fare program to Somerville.
SOMERVILLE, MA — Paying to ride the bus could become a thing of the past in Somerville, as some city leaders have expressed support for piloting a free fare program. On Jan. 27, the Cambridge City Council voted to look into bringing such a program to three of its bus routes, a decision that resonated with Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and City Council President Matt McLaughlin, according to the Somerville Journal.
Curtatone told the Journal the city is "interested in doing it." McLaughlin said he plans on introducing an order similar to Cambridge's at the Feb. 13 City Council meeting.
Officials say a free fare program could support Somerville's vulnerable and working class populations, while easing congestion on city streets. Last fall, Lawrence paid off the fares on three bus routes for two years, and Kansas City, MO and Olympia, Washington have similar programs in place.
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