Free Fairfax Connector Bus Fares To Be Studied By County Staff

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County staff will explore the feasibility of making Fairfax Connector buses fare free for riders. A board matter was approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors to study the concept of making buses free to riders.

The board matter was presented by Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. McKay asked for staff to prepare the pros and cons of a fare-free bus system by the board's Transportation Committee meeting on Sept. 30.

"Inflation and gas prices have dramatically increased, making it significantly harder for Fairfax County residents to commute to work every day as well as travel to other vital destinations," said McKay. "Thus it has become apparent that the need for more affordable public transportation must be addressed."

The Fairfax Connector system includes 350 buses on 100 routes, serving 30,000 riders per day based on pre-pandemic data. The board had already approved a free bus pass program for students. A grant will fund half fares for low-income residents, which McKay said make up an estimated 58 percent of Fairfax Connector riders.

"However, I believe we should take a hard look at expanding and evaluating a fare-free model systemwide," McKay said.

McKay said the results should include the cost of fare collection and options for a pilot program. Fairfax Connector's regular routes cost $2 and $1 for seniors or people with disabilities, while Express routes have a higher cost.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity requested the analysis include the impact on express bus costs, as additional trips could be added with the opening of the Interstate 66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway. McKay indicated it would be part of the analysis.

Neighboring City of Alexandria made its DASH Bus system fare free in September 2021 and has seen ridership increase. The City of Fairfax is in the midst of a three-year pilot program to provide free rides on the CUE bus. Arlington County introduced a program for reduced or free fares on Arlington Transit buses earlier in 2022, according to ARL Now.