Near Universal Support For Free WRTA Buses Ahead Of Key Decision

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) board this week will discuss whether to keep bus fares free — a policy that has almost universal support from elected officials in Worcester.

WRTA suspended fares after the pandemic began in March 2020 as a way to keep passengers and drivers distanced. The WRTA board has voted several times since to keep the policy in place, but the fare-free period is set to expire Dec. 31.

Federal transit data indicates the policy may have benefited the transit agency. WRTA retained the highest level of ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels of any regional system in Massachusetts, including larger systems like the MBTA and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

The WRTA fare-free idea predates the pandemic. The Worcester Regional Research Bureau published a landmark report on the benefits of removing fares in May 2019. In the months before the pandemic, the group Zero Fare WRTA — with the help of At-Large Councilor and WRTA board member Gary Rosen — began hosting events to push for a fare-free pilot program.

Before the Nov. 2 election, Patch asked candidates about their support for the free-fare policy. All but one sitting or incoming At-Large Council candidate said they supported the policy, although some differed about how it should be paid for. (The WRTA board includes representatives from the 37 cities and towns that are part of the transit authority, not exclusively Worcester representatives.)

Here's what each sitting or incoming Councilor said before the election about the fare-free policy:

Mayor Joseph Petty

"I would support making buses and all public transportation free, but WRTA needs to be examined as part of the larger, statewide picture. There needs to be consistent and reliable bus service connecting not only the cities and towns in the WRTA service area, but also connected with other regional transit authorities."

At-Large Councilor Kate Toomey

"I believe we should continue with the fare-free model, as long as we have identified stable funding sources. I rode on a bus a few years ago, but the accessibility to busses in my neighborhood has dramatically decreased over the past two decades. I must cross Route 20 to get to a bus, very dangerous to do."

At-Large Councilor-elect Thu Nguyen

"I absolutely support a permanent Zero Fare WRTA, and this is a core part of my platform. We have the opportunity to support and relieve working-class folks, youth, our elderly, and Worcester residents of what is sometimes considered a significant financial burden, then we should. Public transportation should be a resource that is fully accessible for everyone in our city, and according to the Worcester Research Bureau, Worcester could save money by not collecting fares, which would boost our collective economy and help create new jobs."

At-Large Councilor Morris Bergman

"I believe the WRTA should be fair free as a service to city residents. We should try to find revenues to offset taxpayer responsibility for this, but it should be fare-free. I do think the success of the WRTA is more complicated than just the "fair free" issue. It's been several years since I have been on a WRTA bus."

At-Large Councilor Khrystian King

"Reliable and frequent public transit is a necessity for Worcester if we want to realize our full growth potential. Fare-free will help folks improve upon their social mobility, infuse the local economy, while improving upon the environment at the same time."

District 1 Councilor Sean Rose

"I am in full support of the WRTA buses being free permanently. I have voted in favor of making the buses free and accessible."

District 5 Councilor Matt Wally

"I am a proponent of making the WRTA bus fare free."

District 5 Councilor-elect Etel Haxhiaj

"I have been a supporter of making WRTA buses free permanently and have been working alongside the WRTA Zero Fare Coalition for a few years now. All residents benefit from having free, reliable and connected buses we can take to work, to the grocery store, park or medical appointments."

The WRTA board will meet beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday to discuss the fare-free policy.