U.S. Reps. Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Scott Perry (R-PA) have introduced legislation in Congress that would ensure local transit systems enforce fare collection practices.
The legislation, the No Free Rides Act, would address fare issues in transit systems throughout the United States. The congressmen said their legislation comes after investigative reporting found that the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) enacted a policy instructing drivers not to request bus fares from passengers. The policy was reported to have contributed to a $4 million loss due to the system due to fare evasion, and to have contributed to the system’s $10 million operating deficit. Under Steil and Perry’s bill, local transit agencies can adjust fare policies to meet new federal grant requirements.
“Federal funds are intended to strengthen and sustain public transportation, not give free rides to people who cheat the system,” Steil said. “Whether it’s refusing to simply request fare from riders, or eliminating fares entirely, these policies not only push local transit agencies like MCTS toward insolvency but are fundamentally unfair to the hardworking families who rely on public transportation, follow the rules, and pay their fares.”
The legislation prohibits a transit agency receiving federal funds from providing a universal fare free policy. The legislation would not prevent the agency from adopting targeted fare policies that allow a certain group of riders to ride for free or reduced charge, including seniors, low-income riders, students or employees and members of a specific organization, if those fees are paid for through an agreement between an entity and the system.
The legislation would also allow the U.S. Transportation Secretary to waive the prohibition for a free fare if those fares are paid for by non-government funds.