In Massachusetts, one of our regional transit providers found that eliminating fares:

• Saved time and maintenance
• Lowered rider complaints
• Eliminated conflict between drivers and riders
• Led to 60% higher ridership than pre-pandemic

This is while the nearby MBTA's ridership is down 36%.

https://mass.streetsblog.org/2025/02/06/meva-study-finds-benefits-of-axing-fares-far-exceed-lost-revenue