Free public transport

{{Short description|Public transport not funded by fares from passengers}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{More citations needed|date=January 2018}} [[File:Luxembourg, tram 2018-07 allée Scheffer.jpg|thumb|In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to provide free public transport across its entire territory.<ref>{{cite news |date= 29 February 2020 |title= Luxembourg becomes first country with free public transport |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20200229-luxembourg-becomes-first-country-with-free-public-transport |work= France 24 |location= Luxembourg |access-date= 10 April 2020}}</ref>]]

'''Free public transport''', often called '''fare-free public transit''' or '''zero-fare public transport''', is public transport which is fully funded by means other than collecting fares from passengers. It may be funded by national, regional or local government through taxation, and/or by commercial sponsorship by businesses. Alternatively, the concept of "free-ness" may take other forms, such as no-fare access via a card which may or may not be paid for in its entirety by the user.

On 29 February 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport in the country (buses, trams, and trains) free to use.<ref>{{cite news |date= 29 February 2020 |title= Luxembourg makes public transport free |url= https://www.dw.com/en/luxembourg-makes-public-transport-free/a-52582998 |work= Deutsche Welle (DW) |access-date= 10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Kirby |first= Paul |date= 29 February 2020 |title= Free transport in Luxembourg, but what's the cost? |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51657085 |work= BBC News |access-date= 10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Abnett |first= Kate |date= 29 February 2020 |title= Luxembourg becomes first country to make public transport free |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-luxembourg-politics-transportation-idUSKBN20N0RX |work= Reuters |location= Luxembourg |access-date= 10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Calder |first= Simon |date= 29 February 2020 |title= 'Like the first step on the moon': Luxembourg makes history as first country with free public transport |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/luxembourg-free-travel-train-bus-tram-public-transport-rail-fares-ticket-a9366226.html |work= The Independent |access-date= 10 April 2020}}</ref> On 1 October 2022, Malta made its public transport free on most routes, though unlike in Luxembourg, this applies only to residents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cities-today.com/malta-makes-most-public-transport-free/ |title=Malta makes most public transport free |date=2022-10-06 |website=cities-today.com}}</ref>

As some transit lines intended to operate with fares initially start service, the organisation may elect not to collect fares for an introductory period to create interest or to test operations.

==Types==

===City-wide systems=== thumb|Tallinn's residents voted for free public transportation on 24 March 2012. This polling place was in a historic tramway Gotha G4-61.

Several mid-size European cities and many smaller towns around the world have converted their public transportation networks to zero-fare. The city of Hasselt in Belgium is a notable example: fares were abolished in 1997 and ridership was as much as "13 times higher" by 2006.<ref name="stad">[http://www.hasselt.be/content/content/record.php?ID=4418 '10 jaar gratis openbaar vervoer'] (''tr. 10 years of free public transport'') {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020214003/http://www.hasselt.be/content/content/record.php?ID=4418 |date=2008-10-20 }} (in Dutch) on the city's official website</ref> Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia with more than 420,000 inhabitants, switched to free public transport in 2013 after a public vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shearlaw |first1=Maeve |title=The Tallinn experiment: what happens when a city makes public transport free? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/oct/11/tallinn-experiment-estonia-public-transport-free-cities |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=11 October 2016}}</ref>

In the U.S. state of Washington, 14 rural transit systems have adopted zero-fare policies, either permanently or through pilots in the 2020s.<ref name="SeattleTimes-2023"/> Fares for passengers aged 18 and younger have been free on most local and inter-city transit systems in the state since September 2022. The program was part of a larger statewide transportation package and also includes inter-city Amtrak trains operated by the state, as well as the Washington State Ferries system.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=September 1, 2022 |title=Free transit starts today for most youths across WA |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/free-transit-starts-today-for-most-youths-across-wa/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref>

Kharkiv in Ukraine is the largest city in the world with free public transport with a population of 1,420,000 residents, where free public transport for everyone has been introduced in 2022.

Since 2025, local transport in Belgrade, a city with 1,380,000 inhabitants, has been free.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241218-serbia-s-capital-belgrade-to-make-public-transport-free | title=Serbia's capital Belgrade to make public transport free | date=18 December 2024 }}</ref>

===Local services=== {{see also|List of free public transport routes}} In July 2017, Dubai announced it would offer free bus services for a short period of time on selected days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/dubai-rta-launches-free-bus-service-to-cover-partial-metro-closure|title=Dubai RTA launches free bus service to cover partial metro closure|author=|website=Khaleejtimes.com}}</ref>

In the northwestern United States, some tribal governments offer free bus service on their respective reservations, including on the Muckleshoot,<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | url=https://tribaltransit.com/about/ | title=About|website=Tribaltransit.com }}</ref> Spokane,<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://www.spokanetribe.com/resources/dnr/transit-services/ | title=TRANSIT SERVICES – Spokane Tribe of Indians|website=Spokanetribe.com }}</ref> Umatilla<ref name="auto1">{{cite web | url=https://indigenousgov.hks.harvard.edu/publications/ctuir-public-transit-confederated-tribes-umatilla-indian-reservation | title=CTUIR Public Transit &#124; Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | date=2010|website=Indigenousgov.hks.harvard.edu }}</ref> and Yakama Indian Reservations.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web | url=https://www.npaihb.org/member-tribes/yakama-indian-nation/ | title=Yakama Indian Nation |website=Npainh.org| date=9 February 2016 }}</ref>

===Emergency relief=== During natural disasters, pandemics, and other area-wide emergencies, some transit agencies offer zero-fare transport.

====United States==== Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit commuter rail temporarily offered free service for those needing transportation alternatives during the 2017 Tubbs Fire and 2019 Kincade Fire.<ref name="FreeFull">{{cite news |last1=Houston |first1=Will |title=SMART offers free rides as full service returns |url=https://www.marinij.com/2019/10/30/smart-offers-free-rides-as-full-service-returns/ |access-date=31 October 2019 |agency=Marin Independent Journal |date=30 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Smart Train Service Running On Limited Schedule Wednesday Through Nov. 6. |agency=Bay City News Service |website=SFGate |date=29 October 2019 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Smart-Train-Service-Running-On-Limited-Schedule-14572872.php |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>

Some agencies, including the Central Ohio Transit Authority and King County Metro, offer free public transport during snow emergencies to reduce the number of vehicles on the street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COTA suspends fares amid Level 2 Snow Emergency in Franklin County|url=https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/cota-suspends-bus-fare-snow-emergency-franklin-county/530-4327a5df-4b12-4354-a0a9-1a17db97305b|access-date=2021-04-14|website=10tv.com|date=16 February 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gutman|first=David|date=2019-04-28|title=You can ride King County Metro buses for free during the next snow emergency|website=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/you-can-ride-king-county-metro-buses-for-free-during-the-next-snow-emergency/|access-date=2021-04-13}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ==== {{See also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public transport}} During the COVID-19 pandemic, several agencies paused the collection of fares to alleviate concerns that the virus could be transmitted on surfaces, to keep travelers from coming into close contact with employees, or to allow rear door boarding on their vehicles. These agencies are mostly located in smaller cities where the farebox recovery ratio is low as they could afford to implement this policy without a major hit to revenue.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-03-19|title=Is Free Transit Safer? As Ridership Drops, Some Agencies Cut Fares.|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-19/some-transit-agencies-cut-fares-as-ridership-drops|access-date=2021-04-14}}</ref> A study was conducted to detail the ways that fare collection during the pandemic varied geographically and demographically. During this time, 63.5% of the 263 public transit agencies studied had suspended fare collection. Geographically, the alleviation of fares was common around urban centers (such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, etc.).<ref>Goldberg, Dori. "The New Geography of Fare-Free Public Transport: Examining the Suspension of Fares in the United States During COVID-19." Brussels: Master in Urban Studies (ULB/VUB) (2021).</ref>

==== Statewide ==== In March 2026, the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania announced they would both be making public transport free for a limited time as an incentive not to drive due to the escalation in fuel prices resulting from the war in the Middle East.<ref name="Aleks">{{cite news |last= Phillips |first= Aleks |date= 29 March 2026 |title= Two Australian states offer free public transport as war pushes up fuel prices |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c937n0yxggeo |work= BBC News |access-date= 30 March 2026}}</ref> In Victoria public transport is free throughout April 2026 and Tasmania has made public transport free from 30 March 2026 to the end of June 2026.<ref name="Aleks"/>

==Benefits==

===Operational benefits=== [[File:New Fare Gates at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport Station (53375560266).jpg|thumb|These fare gates in New York City cost $700,000 to install,<ref>{{cite news |first=Ana |last=Ley |title=New Subway Fare Gates and Platform Barriers Fail to Impress New Yorkers |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=The New York Times |date=30 January 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/nyregion/subway-mta-fare-gates.html }}</ref> one of the equipment costs that would become unnecessary with fare-free transit.]] Transport operators can benefit from faster boarding and shorter dwell times, allowing faster timetabling of services. Although some of these benefits can be achieved in other ways, such as off-vehicle ticket sales and modern types of electronic fare collection, zero-fare transport avoids equipment and personnel costs.

Passenger aggression may be reduced. In 2008 bus drivers of Société des Transports Automobiles (STA) in Essonne held strikes demanding zero-fare transport for this reason. They claim that 90% of the aggression is related to refusal to pay the fare.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/article546941.ece/Franse_chauffeurs_voor_gratis_buskaartje |work=Volkskrant.nl |title=Franse chauffeurs voor gratis buskaartje |lang=nl |trans-title=French drivers for free bus ticket |date=10 June 2008 }}</ref>

A randomized controlled trial conducted in Santiago, Chile, found that access to fare-free public transport increased overall travel by 12%, particularly boosting off-peak travel by 23% due to a rise in both public transport and non-motorized trips.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bull |first1=Owen |last2=Muñoz |first2=Juan Carlos |last3=Silva |first3=Hugo E. |title=The impact of fare-free public transport on travel behavior: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial |journal=Regional Science and Urban Economics |date=January 2021 |volume=86 |article-number=103616 |doi=10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2020.103616 |bibcode=2021RSUE...86j3616B }}</ref>

===Commercial benefits=== Some zero-fare transport services are funded by private businesses, such as the merchants in a shopping mall, in the hope that doing so will increase sales or other revenue from increased foot traffic or ease of travel. Employers often operate free shuttles as a benefit to their employees, or as part of a congestion-mitigation agreement with a local government.{{fact|date=May 2025}}

===Community benefits=== Zero-fare transport can make the system more accessible and fair for low-income residents. Other benefits are the same as those attributed to public transport generally: * Road traffic can benefit from decreased congestion and faster average road speeds, fewer traffic accidents, easier parking, savings from reduced wear and tear on roads * Increased public access, especially for the poor and low waged, which can in turn benefit social integration, businesses and those looking for work *Environmental and public health benefits including decreased air pollution and noise pollution from road traffic

Research findings from Stroud & Bekhit (2023) about inclusivity gaps in FFPT research studies Research of fare-free public transport (FFTP) studies by Stroud and Bekhit (2025) reveals that only 25% of the studies significantly consider non-dominant groups of the population in their research, with extensive knowledge gaps about FFPT impacts on marginalized communities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Štraub |first1=Daniel |last2=Hess |first2=Daniel Baldwin |title=Re-examining fare-free public transport for greater inclusivity |journal=Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives |date=May 2025 |volume=31 |article-number=101454 |doi=10.1016/j.trip.2025.101454 |bibcode=2025TrRIP..3101454S |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Global benefits=== Global benefits of zero-fare transport are also the same as those attributed to public transport generally. If use of personal cars is discouraged, zero-fare public transport could mitigate the problems of global warming and oil depletion. On average, cars emit one pound of {{CO2}} per mile driven ({{convert|1|lb/mi|g/km|disp=out}}).<ref name="transportation.ucla.edu">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-07 |title=5 Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Transportation |url=https://transportation.ucla.edu/blog/5-environmental-benefits-sustainable-transportation |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Transportation |language=en}}</ref> Public transport helps to reduce the number of vehicles being driven which results in decreasing carbon emissions. Cars are also responsible for emitting other pollutants such as antifreeze.<ref name="transportation.ucla.edu"/>

== Countries with countrywide zero-fare transport == * Luxembourg was the first country to offer free public transport (trams, trains, and buses) for everyone across the entire country. Since 29 February 2020, all public transport has been free in the country, with the exception of the first class on trains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Getting Around in Luxembourg City |url=https://www.luxembourg-city.com/en/plan-your-stay/traveller-information/getting-around |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=Luxembourg-city.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-05 |title=Luxembourg to become first country in world to make public transport free |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/luxembourg-free-trains-public-transport-trams-buses-when-a8668496.html |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> * Estonia wants to become entirely zero-fare. Counties in Estonia are allowed to make public transport free. Between 2018 and 2024, buses were free of charge in 11 of Estonia's 15 counties. Public transport in Estonia's capital, Tallinn, has been free to local residents since 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Free public transport in Estonia |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2019/05/09/free-public-transport-in-estonia |access-date=2022-06-01 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Estonia to Become the World's First Free Public Transport Nation |url=https://popupcity.net/observations/estonia-to-become-the-worlds-first-free-public-transport-nation/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=Pop-Up City |date=16 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> As of January 2024, free local transport in the counties was largely abolished, but remains available for people up to 19 years of age and those aged 63 and over.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2023-09-26|author=Karin Koppel|date=2023-09-26|language=en|publisher=ERR|title=Ratas: Abolishing free public transport a huge mistake|url=https://news.err.ee/1609112600/ratas-abolishing-free-public-transport-a-huge-mistake}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> * Malta became fare free for all residents on 1 October 2022.<ref>{{cite news|date = 11 October 2020 |title=Live blog: Budget 2022 as it happens |url= https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/live-blog-budget-2022-as-it-happens.907150 |work= Times of Malta |access-date= 11 October 2020}}</ref> * There are UK-wide provisions for free bus travel for senior citizens (60-years-old and over in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Greater London, state pension age for England).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/over-60s-to-keep-free-bus-pass-privileges-in-scotland-269518 |title= Over-60s to keep free bus pass privileges in Scotland |date= 2 August 2018 |website= The Scotsman |access-date= 16 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apply for an older person's bus pass |url=https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-30 |title=Free and concessionary bus and rail travel {{!}} nidirect |url=https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/free-and-concessionary-bus-and-rail-travel |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Nidirect.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> The Scottish government has also implemented free bus travel across the country for people under 22-years-old since 31 January 2022, while the Scottish National Blind Person Scheme allows free rail and ferry travel for blind persons.<ref>{{cite news |last= Diamond |first= Claire |date= 31 January 2022 |title= Free bus travel for under-22s in Scotland begins |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-60087004 |work= BBC News |access-date= 29 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/information-on-other-concepeoplessionary-travel-and-discounted-schemes/|title=Information on other concessionary travel and discounted schemes|website=Transport.gov.scot|access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref> The senior citizens bus pass also apply to rail and rapid transit (the Tube) in Greater London, Wales, and Northern Ireland. * Romania has made public transportation including buses, subways and inter-country trains free for all pre-university students. However university students only have the option for a 50% discount on individual inter-country train tickets or inter-city subscriptions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elevii din România vor avea transport gratuit|trans-title=Students from Romania will have free transport|url=https://www.edu.ro/elevii-din-rom%C3%A2nia-vor-avea-transport-gratuit |website=Edu.ro |publisher=Ministerul Educației Naționale |access-date=22 December 2022 |location=Romania |language=ro |date=2020-05-29 }}</ref> * In the Netherlands, students with Dutch citizenship get free public transportation country-wide in trains, trams, buses and metro. Students who are studying at universities of applied sciences and universities need to finish their degree ten years after starting it or they will need to pay back the amount of money.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Student Travel Product (Student OV) {{!}} NS |url=https://www.ns.nl/en/students/studentenreisproduct-students-ov.html |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Dutch Railways |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Studentenreisproduct |url=https://duo.nl/particulier/ov-en-reizen/ |access-date=23 August 2023 |website= Dienst uitvoering onderwij |language=nl}}</ref> * Throughout Spain, from 1 September 2022 to 30 June 2025, as a way to reduce gas prices for trucks after the Russian war in Ukraine, all multi-trip ticket train journeys on commuter services and medium-distance routes (less than {{convert|300|km|mi}}) were made free of charge, on the condition that the individual uses it at least an average of once a week.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gadhavi |first=Jasmine |date=15 July 2022 |title=Spain announces free rail journeys from September until the end of the year |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/jul/15/spain-announces-free-rail-journeys-from-september-until-the-end-of-the-year |work=The Guardian |access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref> * Since March 2024, the Hungarian national railway company MÁV does not charge those of ages 65 and over and 14 and under for transportation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dailynewshungary.com/key-changes-in-hungarian-public-transport-summarised-in-10-points/ | title=Key changes in Hungarian public transport summarised in 10 points - Daily News Hungary | date=10 January 2024 }}</ref> Buses of the company Volánbusz can also be used free of charge from people of these same age ranges.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=2024-04-17 |language=en |publisher=VOLÁNBUSZ |title=Domestic fares - Travel information |url=https://www.volanbusz.hu/en/travel-information/buying-ticket/domestic-fares}}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> * In the Republic of Ireland public transportation for citizens over the age 66 is free. People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also be eligible for free travel<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |last=Citizensinformation.ie |title=Free travel in Ireland |url=https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/extra-social-welfare-benefits/free-travel/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Citizensinformation.ie |language=en}}</ref>

==List of towns and cities with area-wide zero-fare transport== {{further|List of free public transport routes}} <!-- ^^ if you rename this, update the link further up the page -->

=== Europe === {{sticky header}}{{table alignment}} {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Town/City ! data-sort-type=number | Population ! Operator ! First year ! Duration ! Notes |- |{{Flag icon|Ireland}} Republic of Ireland | style="text-align: right;" |5,149,139 |State |1967 |Since 1967 |Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland gets access to free travel on all public transportation in Ireland<ref name="auto4"/> |- | {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} Manchester|| style="text-align:right;"| || Bee Network || 1974 || Since 2002 || 2 Free bus routes around the City Centre, free to use since 2002 |- | {{flagicon|Denmark}} Morsø|| style="text-align:right;"| 19,734 || Morsø Municipality || 2009 || Since 2009 || Free public bus transportation for everyone on the busses within the municipality; It was decided, because mostly school students used busses which the municipality covered |- | {{flagicon|Denmark}} Læsø|| style="text-align:right;"| 1,759 || Læsø Municipality || || || Free electric bus, with a small fee if you bring a bicycle or stroller<ref>{{cite web | url=https://laesoe-booking.dk/nt-bussen/ | title=Læsø pakkerejser|website=Laesoe-booking.dk }}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Denmark}} Ærø|| style="text-align:right;"| 5,948 || Ærø Municipality || || || Free wifi, you can bring your bike, dogs are allowed<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.visitaeroe.dk/aeroe/explore/gratis-bus-paa-aeroe-gdk1084994 | title=Kom rundt på Ærø med den gratis bus |website=Visitaeroe.dk}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Portugal}} Cascais|| style="text-align:right;"| 206,479 || Mobi Cascais || 2020 || Since 2 January 2020 || Free public bus transportation for residents, students and workers registered in the Municipality of Cascais. Cascais was the first in Portugal to implement the measure and is the fourth-largest city of the country. |- | {{flagicon|France}} Cahors|| style="text-align:right;"| 20,447 || Raynal Voyages || 2019 || Since 2 November 2019 || <ref>[https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/lot/cahors/lot-bus-cahors-deviennent-gratuits-1745123.html Lot : les bus de Cahors deviennent gratuits] (''tr. Lot: Cahors buses become free''). By Stéphanie Bousquet. 5 Nov 2019. By France 3 Occitanie.</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Netherlands}} Netherlands||||Government||1991||Since 1991||Free public transport for students ''Studentenreisproduct'' or ''OV-studentenkaart'' in the whole Netherlands. Students can choose for free transport on weekdays and 40% discount in the weekends, or vice versa. |- | {{flagicon|Russia}} Voronezh, Voronezh Oblast|| style="text-align:right;"| 1,032,382||Municipality||2003||2003–2013||Free buses run every 30 min. (designated by the letter Н)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.mirvoronezha.ru/avtobus/gorodskoy-avtobus/marshrutyi-gorodskih-i-prigorodnyih-avtobusov/6|title=Народные маршруты автобусов (бесплатный проезд) – Транспорт города Воронежа. Маршруты, Расписания. Авто, Метро, Трамвай, Троллейбус, Автобусы, Поезда, Авиатранспорт, Водный транспорт, Такси, Пробки, Форумы. Объявления. Предприятия |trans-title=Popular bus routes (free travel) - Transport of the city of Voronezh. Routes, Schedules. Auto, Metro, Tram, Trolleybus, Buses, Trains, Air transport, Water transport, Taxi, Traffic jams, Forums. Ads. Enterprises |website=Transport.mirvoronezha.ru}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Russia}} Skolkovo, Moscow||N/A||ODAS Skolkovo + Mosgortrans||2012||Since opening||Local buses are free, include to railway station (from 2019, weekdays, delayed), longer routes are charged unless they ride via Auchan or Vegas |- | {{flagicon|Russia}} Miass, Chelyabinsk Oblast|| style="text-align:right;"| 151,387||Municipality||1991||Until 2002<ref name="miass">{{cite web | url=http://transphoto.ru/city/229/ | title=Миасс |trans-title=Miass | publisher=transphoto.ru | language=ru | access-date=2017-01-20}}</ref>||Free trolleybuses and buses |- | {{flagicon|Gibraltar}} Gibraltar|| style="text-align:right;"| 29,500||State||2011||Since May 2011||Only for residents and workers. Tourists have to pay. |- | {{flagicon|Spain}} Manises|| style="text-align:right;"| 30,478||Municipality|| ||||<ref> [http://www.lasprovincias.es/valencia/prensa/20070130/horta/manises-amplia-servicio-autobus_20070130.html (Manises) municipal website] (in Spanish) ''www.lasprovincias.es'' retrieved 2009-05-08 </ref> |- | {{flagicon|Spain}} Marbella|| style="text-align:right;"| 150,000||Municipality||2019||Since 2019||Only for enrolled citizens.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ayuntamiento.marbella.es/documentos/tramites/item/3247-tarjeta-de-movilidad-para-uso-gratuito-del-servicio-de-autobus-urbano.html | title=Tarjeta de Movilidad para uso gratuito del servicio de autobús urbano | work=Ayuntamiento de Marbella | date=7 February 2019 }}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Slovenia}} Nova Gorica|| style="text-align:right;"| 31,000||||2006||Since April 2006|| |- | {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Samokov|| style="text-align:right;"| 27,000||||2006||Since 2006|| |- | {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Stamboliyski|| style="text-align:right;"| 12,000||Municipality||2019||Since 2019|| |- | {{flagicon|Norway}} Stavanger|| style="text-align:right;"| 146,011||Municipality||2023||Since 2023|| |- | {{flagicon|Belgium}} Hasselt|| style="text-align:right;"| 72,000||De Lijn||1997||Since 1 July 1997||1,300% ridership increase 1996–2006. In 2013, Hasselt stopped free bus service for adults; riders under 19 still travel for free. |- | {{flagicon|Belgium}} Duffel|| style="text-align:right;"| 17,385||De Lijn||||||Only valid for one ride |- | {{flagicon|Belgium}} Ingelmunster|| style="text-align:right;"| 10,928||De Lijn||2017||Since 2017||Free public transport was offered when the construction of a new bridge made the connection between the two sides of the town impossible. |- | {{flagicon|Belgium}} Mons|| style="text-align:right;"| 92,000||TEC Hainaut||1999||1999-2016||2 intramuros lines were free |- | {{flagicon|Belgium}} Namur|| style="text-align:right;"| 115,000||TEC Namur-Luxembourg||2024||Since 2024||1 circle route in city centre |- |frameless|22x22px West Midlands|| style="text-align:right;"|2,953,816 |All bus operators in the West Midlands |2024 |9–13 December 2024 |Free bus travel in the West Midlands bus boundary between 7pm and 3am.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free Bus Travel |url=https://www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-journey/ways-to-travel/buses-in-the-west-midlands/free-bus-travel/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Tfwm.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Sweden}} Avesta Municipality|| style="text-align:right;"| 21,000||Dalatrafik||2012<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170217082126/https://farefreepublictransport.com/city/avesta/ Avesta, Sweden] retrieved 2016-06-17</ref>||Until 2021.||Ended due to increased operating costs. |- | {{flagicon|Sweden}} Vellinge|| style="text-align:right;"| 37,700||Skånetrafiken||2020||since 2020|| Only for residents aged 70 or more within the confines of the county, and young adults aged 16 - 19 who may travel on Skånetrafiken and Öresundstågen services in Skåne <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vellinge.se/samhalle-och-miljo/resa-ga-och-cykla/kollektivtrafik|title=Kollektivtrafik &#124; Vellinge kommun|date=4 May 2026|website=Vellinge.se|access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vellinge.se/forskola-och-skola/gymnasium/res--och-busskort|title=Res- och busskort &#124; Vellinge kommun|date=25 May 2026|website=Vellinge.se|access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref> |- |- | {{flagicon|Sweden}} Kiruna|| style="text-align:right;"| 18,090||||2011||From 2011 to 2012–12||<ref>[http://www.kommun.kiruna.se/Trafik-gator-och-parker/Busstider/Avgiftsfritt-bussresande/ Kiruna municipality website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110050909/http://www.kommun.kiruna.se/Trafik-gator-och-parker/Busstider/Avgiftsfritt-bussresande/ |date=2013-01-10 }} (in Swedish) retrieved 2012-07-09</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Sweden}} Övertorneå|| style="text-align:right;"| 2,000||||||||70&nbsp;km of free rides on local buses in this rural municipality {{citation needed|date=October 2013}} |- | {{flagicon|Poland}} Bełchatów|| style="text-align:right;"| 56,973||Miejski Zakład Komunikacji Sp. z o.o.||2015||Since 28 May 2015||Unconditionally free for all users. |- | {{flagicon|Poland}} Żory|| style="text-align:right;"| 62,625||||2014||Since 1 May 2014||Unconditionally free for all users. |- | {{flagicon|Poland}} Lubin|| style="text-align:right;"| 72,951||||2014||Since 1 September 2014||Unconditionally free for all users. |- | {{flagicon|Poland}} Olkusz|| style="text-align:right;"| 36,122||||2013||Between 1 September 2013 and 31 December 2014||For car owners registered in this municipality only. |- | {{flagicon|Poland}} Ostrołęka|| style="text-align:right;"| 52,337||||2017||Since 28 October 2017||Unconditionally free for all users. |- |{{flagicon|Poland}} Starachowice | style="text-align: right;" |43,883 | |2022 |Since 1 April 2022 |For residents and tax payers in this municipality (and their minor family members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=CENNIK BILETÓW |url=https://zecstar.pl/zec-komunikacja/cennik-biletow/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=ZAKŁAD ENERGETYKI CIEPLNEJ SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ W STARACHOWICACH |language=pl-PL}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Romania}} Lugoj|| style="text-align:right;"| 37,700||||2013||Starting 1 July 2013||<ref> [http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-administratie_locala-14998615-premiera-romania-municipiul-lugoj-avea-transport-comun-gratuit.htm HotNews.ro – Premiera in Romania: Municipiul Lugoj va avea transport in comun gratuit ] (''tr. Premiere in Romania: Lugoj will have free public transport''), ''www.hotnews.ro''</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Romania}} Cluj-Napoca|| style="text-align:right;"| 411,379||||2021||Starting 18 June 2021|| Free transportation on tram and bus lines every Friday<ref>{{cite web | url=https://primariaclujnapoca.ro/informatii-publice/comunicate/vinerea-verde-transport-public-gratuit-in-fiecare-zi-de-vineri/ | title=Vinerea Verde: Transport public gratuit în fiecare zi de vineri • Cluj-Napoca }}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Romania}} Ploiești|| style="text-align:right;"| 201,226|| ''TCE S.A.'' ||2014||Starting 31 March 2014|| The benefits are limited to city residents with an income under 3,000 RON per month (about €670).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.romaniatv.net/transport-public-gratuit-pentru-ploiesteni-pana-in-2015_132042.html | title=Transport public GRATUIT pentru ploieşteni, până în 2015 |trans-title=FREE public transport for Ploiesti residents, until 2015| date=2014-03-12}}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Romania}} Arad|| style="text-align:right;"| 145,078|| ''CTP Arad S.A.'' ||2023||Starting 7 July 2023|| Free transportation on tram and bus lines every Friday.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.arq.ro/vinerea-verde-de-luna-aceasta-transportul-public-in-municipiu-este-gratuit-in-fiecare-vineri/52782 | title= VINEREA VERDE: de luna aceasta, transportul public în municipiu este gratuit, în fiecare vineri |trans-title=GREEN FRIDAY: effective this month, municipal public transport is free every friday| date=2023-07-03}}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Greece}} Ilioupoli|| style="text-align:right;"| 78,153||Municipality|| || || Free transportation to all, but only local buses, for specifically only local municipality buses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ilioupoli.gr/e-services/municipality-transportation.aspx |title=ilioupoli.gr municipality-transportation |access-date=2014-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719000209/http://www.ilioupoli.gr/e-services/municipality-transportation.aspx |archive-date=2014-07-19 }}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Iceland}} Akureyri, Iceland|| style="text-align:right;"| 18,803|| ||2007||Since 1 January 2007|| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/transport/city-bus-free-of-charge|title=City bus – Free of charge|website=Visitakureyri.is|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=4 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604220622/http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/transport/city-bus-free-of-charge}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Estonia}} Tallinn || style="text-align:right;"| 435,245||||2013||Since 1 January 2013|| Tallinn is currently the largest city offering free public transport for its residents. Regional buses are excluded from the scheme. Elron commuter trains are also free inside the city limits.<ref name="elron">{{cite web|title=Tallinlase tasuta sõit Elron rongides |trans-title=Free Tallinn ride on Elron trains|url=http://www.tallinn.ee/est/pilet/Tasuta-soit-Elron-rongides|publisher=Tallinn City Government|access-date=3 July 2016|language=et}}</ref> Tallinn is also the first capital with free public transport for its residents. |- | {{flagicon|Estonia}} Keila|| style="text-align:right;"| 9,873||||2013||Since February 2013|| |- | {{flagicon|Estonia}} Türi|| style="text-align:right;"| 6,174||||||||<ref name="tyri">{{cite web|title=Türi linna tasuta bussiliin |trans-title=Free bus line to Türi |url=http://www.tyri.ee/turi-linna-tasuta-bussiliin|access-date=3 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816144151/http://www.tyri.ee/turi-linna-tasuta-bussiliin|archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Lübben || style="text-align:right;"| 14,500||||||Has been stopped||Influenced by Hasselt |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Kelheim || style="text-align:right;"| 122,258||VLK||2021||Since November 2021||Free buses since November 2021 within Kelheim County |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Templin || style="text-align:right;"| 16,500||||||Has been stopped|| |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Augsburg || style="text-align:right;"| 295,135||SWA||2020||Since 1 January 2020||Free public transport within a zone downtown called "City-Zone" |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Erlangen|| style="text-align:right;"| 116,562||ESTW||2024||Since 1 January 2024||Free use of all buses in the inner city for everybody |- | {{flagicon|Germany}} Monheim am Rhein and Langenfeld (Rheinland)|| style="text-align:right;"| 46,072 + 60,926||||||||Free use of all buses and the lightrail lines S6 and S68 in the city areas of Monheim am Rhein, Langenfeld (Rheinland) and Düsseldorf-Hellerhof, for residents of Monheim am Rhein only |- | {{flagicon|Slovakia}} Senec || style="text-align:right;"| 19,900||MAD Senec||2013||Since 1 November 2013||Since 1 April 2018 city transport has two bus lines. Temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic until 1 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senec.sk/sk/uradny-oznam/cestovny-poriadok-mad-senec-platny-od-15122019-do-12122020-kvoli-protiepidemiologickym-opatreniam-mad-nepremava-do-192020|title=Cestovný poriadok MHD Senec platný od 15.12.2019 – Informačný portál mesta Senec|trans-title=Public transport timetable Senec valid from 15.12.2019 - Information portal of Senec|first=Lomtec.com|last=a.s.|website=Senec.sk}}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|France}} Aubagne || style="text-align:right;"| 42,900 (100,000 in the area concerned) ||||2009||Since 15 May 2009||The Aubagne tramway is considered to be the first completely fare-free tram system in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carfree.fr/index.php/2011/07/06/aubagne-aura-le-premier-tramway-au-monde-entierement-gratuit/|title=Aubagne aura le premier tramway au monde entièrement gratuit! |trans-title=Aubagne will have the world's first tram completely free!|date=6 July 2011}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|France}} Bar-le-Duc || style="text-align:right;"| 15,700||||2008||Since 1 September 2008|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Boulogne-Billancourt || style="text-align:right;"| 110,000||||1992||Since 1992|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Castres || style="text-align:right;"| 62,500||||2008||Since October 2008|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Châteauroux || style="text-align:right;"| 47,127||||2001||Since 2001|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Colomiers || style="text-align:right;"| 28,538||||1971||Since 1971||The first area of France to offer zero-fare public transport which is still in operation at present |- | {{flagicon|France}} Compiègne || style="text-align:right;"| 40,028||||1975||Since 1975||<ref>[https://www.leparisien.fr/oise-60/pourquoi-les-bus-ne-sont-gratuits-qu-a-compiegne-et-pont-11-04-2007-2007932398.php](in French)</ref> |- | {{flagicon|France}} Dunkirk|| style="text-align:right;"| 91,000||Municipality||2015: free weekend service, fall 2018: full service<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bliss |first1=Laura |title=The French City That Shocked Citizens By Making Transit Free |url=https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2017/12/the-french-city-that-shocked-citizens-by-making-transit-free/548321/ |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=20 December 2017 |access-date=20 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Boyer King |first1=Emilie |title=Want a free ride? French cities opt for free public transport – France 24 |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20171109-france-french-cities-public-transport-free-dunkirk-compiegne |website=France 24 |access-date=20 August 2018 |date=9 November 2017}}</ref>|| || |- | {{flagicon|France}} Figeac || style="text-align:right;"| 9,900||||2003||Since 2003–2009|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Issoudun || style="text-align:right;"| 13,500||||1989||Since 1989||Has free in the name of the service (Transport Issoudun Gratuit). Works on certain days of the week in the afternoons only. |- | {{flagicon|France}} Libourne || style="text-align:right;"| 23,000||||2009||Since 1 January 2009 for under 18s<br />Since 28 August 2010 for everyone|| |- | {{flagicon|France}} Manosque || style="text-align:right;"| 22,200||||2010||since 1 January 2010|| |- |{{flagicon|France}} Niort || style="text-align:right;"| 122 000 ||Communauté d'agglomération du Niortais ||2017 ||Since 1 September 2017 || |- | {{flagicon|France}} Vitré || style="text-align:right;"| 15,313||||2001||Since spring 2001||First French urban agglomeration to do so. |- | {{flagicon|Italy}} Catania || style="text-align:right;"| 315,000||Amt, Metropolitana di Catania, Università degli Studi di Catania||2018||Since 10 April 2018<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tartaglia |first1=Andrea |title=Metro e bus gratis per gli studenti dell'Università di Catania |trans-title=Free metro and bus for students of the University of Catania |url=http://catania.mobilita.org/2018/10/05/metro-e-bus-gratis-per-gli-studenti-dalluniversita-di-catania-servizio-gia-attivo-sui-mezzi-amt/ |website=Mobilita Catania|date=2018-10-05 }}</ref>||Free metro and bus lines to all local university students |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Třeboň || style="text-align:right;"| 8,700||ČSAD Jindřichův Hradec a. s.||2002||Between 2002–2002 and 2007–2008||Under Mayor Jiří Houdek (KDU-ČSL), city transport has only one bus line (No 340300), influenced by US school buses |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Prague || style="text-align:right;"| 1,285,000||Many operators (first of all Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy)||2002||Between 2002 and 2008–2015 (ca) and 25 August 2002, during the Vltava flood and flooding of the Prague metro system||Also always during time of the smog or other emergency (used rarely – 1996–1997 for 2 day, 1992–1993 for 4 days).<ref>[http://envis.praha-mesto.cz/rocenky/Pr_01/B1_04.htm Smogový regulační systém] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123120/http://envis.praha-mesto.cz/rocenky/pr_01/b1_04.htm |date=5 March 2016 }}(''tr. Smog control system''), ENVIS Praha/ envis.praha-mesto.cz</ref><ref>[http://www.ropid.cz/tarif/tarif-pid,-vc.-1.,-2.,-3.,-4.-a-5.-dodatku__s189x350.html Tarif PID] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309062302/http://www.ropid.cz/tarif/tarif-pid,-vc.-1.,-2.,-3.,-4.-a-5.-dodatku__s189x350.html |title= |trans-title= |date=2010-03-09 }}, XIV., 3.</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Hořovice || style="text-align:right;"| 6,800||Probo Trans Beroun s. r. o.||2008||Since March 2008||City transport has only one bus line (no. 210009 alias C09 or C9) |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Valašské Meziříčí || style="text-align:right;"| 27,300||ČSAD Vsetín a. s.||2009||Between 14 June 2009 and 14 July 2009, again since September 2017<ref>Viktor Chrást: [https://zlin.idnes.cz/mhd-zdarma-ve-valasskem-mezirici-doq-/zlin-zpravy.aspx?c=A170419_2319858_zlin-zpravy_ras Valašské Meziříčí chystá MHD zdarma, zaplatí ji pokuty za rychlou jízdu] (''tr. Valašské Meziříčí is preparing free public transport, it will pay fines for fast driving''), iDnes.cz, 2017-04-19</ref><ref>[http://www.valasskemezirici.cz/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=17636&id=30917 Ve Valašském Meziříčí bude městská hromadná doprava zdarma a pro všechny] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329020924/https://www.valasskemezirici.cz/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=17636&id=30917 |date=29 March 2019 }} (''tr.In Valašské Meziříčí, public transport will be free and for everyone''), Valašské Meziříčí, 2017-04-13</ref> || City transport has five bus lines |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Přelouč || style="text-align:right;"| 9,000||Veolia Transport Východní Čechy a. s.||2009||Between 1 December 2009 and 6 March 2010||Initial price at the newly established first city bus line (no. 665101) |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Frýdek-Místek || style="text-align:right;"| 58,200||ČSAD Frýdek-Místek a. s.||2011||Since 27 March 2011||Only 365-day chip coupon (however the chip card costs 299 Kč and prolongation 1 Kč) and user must to not be a debtor toward the city. Number of passengers has increased from 3.8 million in 2010 to 5.7 million in 2013. Since 2014, it is possible to travel free on regional bus lines to next 18 villages and towns. Population in the serviced area is 100,000. Chip card for free public transport has 25,000 passengers. |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Strakonice || style="text-align:right;"| 22,900||ČSAD STTRANS a. s.||2018|| Since 1 January 2018 || In 2017, the city bus transport was free for senior citizens, children and students up to 26 years; since 2018, buses are free for all, but only in the city zone (sections outside the city are still paid).<ref>Alena Šrámková: [https://strakonicky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/mhd-zadarmo-od-noveho-roku-20171119.html MHD zadarmo! Od nového roku] (''tr. Free public transport! Since the new year''), Strakonický deník, 2017-11-19</ref><ref>Radek Štěpánek: [https://budejovice.idnes.cz/mestska-hromadna-doprava-zdarma-strakonice-vondrys-populismus-pwb-/budejovice-zpravy.aspx?c=A180112_082959_budejovice-zpravy_khr Strakonice mají MHD zdarma pro všechny. Je to populismus, říká opozice] (''tr.Strakonice has free public transport for everyone. It's populism, the opposition says''), iDnes.cz, 12. 1. 2018</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Lovosice || style="text-align:right;"| 8,700||BusLine a. s., renamed to TD BUS a.s.||2018|| Since 28 January 2018<ref>Pavel Křivohlavý: [https://usti.idnes.cz/mhd-lovosice-autobusy-zdarma-djz-/usti-zpravy.aspx?c=A180127_379240_usti-zpravy_vac2 Lovosice zavedly MHD zdarma, chtějí tím snížit počet aut ve městě] (''tr. Lovosice has introduced free public transport, so they want to reduce the number of cars in the city''), iDnes.cz, 2018-01-29</ref> || The only bus line no. 558001 started 10 years ago, 2008-01-28 |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Litoměřice || style="text-align:right;"| 24,000||BusLine a. s., renamed to TD BUS a.s.||2018|| Since 1 May 2018<ref>[https://usti.idnes.cz/zastupitele-lovosice-mhd-zdarma-od-kvetna-fil-/usti-zpravy.aspx?c=A180302_386632_usti-zpravy_vac2 Litoměřice budou mít MHD zdarma, stejně jako sousední Lovosice] (''tr. Litoměřice will have free public transport, as will neighboring Lovosice''), iDnes.cz, 2. 3. 2018</ref> || Two bus lines |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Říčany || style="text-align:right;"| 12,400||ČSAD Benešov a. s. (ICOM group)||2018|| Since 3 September 2018<ref>[http://www.zastavka.net/za-nepid_dopravce/csad_benesov_nepid.phtml Změny linek ČSAD Benešov, a.s.] (''tr. Changes to ČSAD Benešov, a.s.''), projekt Zastávka/www.zastavka.net</ref> || 3 intervallic lines (yellow, red and blue) and 3 school lines (Š1, Š2, Š3), licence numbers 289001–289006, in working days only. Previous lines of Prague Integrated Transport remain paid. |- |- | {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} Kolín || style="text-align:right;"| 33,289||Okresní autobusová doprava Kolín, s.r.o.||2023|| Since 1 January 2023<ref>[https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/regiony-zpravy-stredocesky-kraj-lide-v-koline-budou-pristi-rok-jezdit-mestskou-dopravou-zdarma-221271 Lidé v Kolíně budou příští rok jezdit městskou dopravou zdarma] (''tr. People in Kolin will ride free public transport next year''), ''Seznamzpravy.cz''</ref>|| |- | {{flagicon|Faroe Islands}} Tórshavn || style="text-align:right;"| 20,000||Tórshavn City Council|| || || Six different bus lines<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.torshavn.fo/Default.aspx?pageid=679 | title=Tórshavn City Bus Routes – Tórshavnar kommuna|website=Trshavn.fo}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Serbia}} Jagodina || style="text-align:right;"| 76,712||City||2019||Since January 2019||Also includes 52 villages and settlements around Jagodina that are connected with the city.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.b92.net/lokal/jagodina/ekonomija-godinama-je-besplatan-kako-funkcionise-autobuski-prevoz-u-jagodini-video-1821710 | title=Jagodina free public transport|website=B92.net| date=3 May 2021}}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Ukraine}} Kryvyi Rih | style="text-align:right;"| 603 904 |Municipality |2022 | |Including trams, metrotram, and trolleybus<ref>{{Cite web |title=В Кривом Роге проезд в коммунальном транспорте сделал бесплатным для всех |url=https://gorod.dp.ua/news/203877 |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=Gorod.dp.ua}}</ref> |- |{{flagicon|Ukraine}} Kharkiv | style="text-align:right;"| 1,421,125 |Municipality |2022 | |Including trams, metro, and trolleybus<ref>{{Cite web |title=Выделено более миллиарда: украинцы смогут бесплатно ездить общественным транспортом |url=https://gsminfo.com.ua/156122-vыdeleno-bolee-myllyarda-ukraynczы-smogut-besplatno-ezdyt-obshhestvennыm-transportom.html#:~:text=В%202024%20году%20в%20Харькове,этом%20сообщает%20Харьковский%20городской%20портал. |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=gsminfo.com.ua| date=23 November 2023 }}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Serbia}} Belgrade || style="text-align:right;"| 1,197,714||City||2025||Since 1 January 2025||Free transport; includes all forms of public transport within the Belgrade Metropolitan Area.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dw.com/en/belgrade-to-make-public-transport-free-from-january-1/a-71102418#:~:text=Belgrade%20is%20set%20to%20offer,Aleksandar%20Sapic%2C%20announced%20on%20Wednesday. | title=Belgrade to make public transport free from January 1| website=Deutsche Welle| date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.danas.rs/vesti/ekonomija/u-beogradu-od-danas-besplatan-javni-prevoz-nepoznato-koliko-ce-grad-morati-da-plati | title=U Beogradu od danas besplatan javni prevoz, nepoznato koliko će Grad morati da plati| date=1 January 2025}}</ref> |}

=== Asia ===

{| class="wikitable sortable" ! Town/City ! Population ! Operator ! Begin operation ! Duration ! Notes |- | {{flagicon|Russia}} {{hs|Cheremushki, Russia}}Cheremushki, Khakassia, Russia||9,000||trams are serviced by Dam's staff||||||zero fare is official to anybody (de jure service line because the taxes would be higher than revenues) |- | {{flagicon|Indonesia}} Jakarta, Indonesia||10,770,487||TransJakarta||{{start date and age|df=yes|2016||}}|| ||Three free city tour buses and all Mikrotrans feeder routes |- | {{flagicon|Malaysia}} Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia||1,790,000||SKS Bus||{{start date and age|df=yes|2012|08|31}}|| ||Go KL City Bus |- | {{flagicon|India}} New Delhi, India||20,000,000 (concerned for 9,000,000 women)||State Government||2019|| ||free bus services for women |- | {{flagicon|India}} Tamil Nadu, India||72,147,030 (concerned for 36,009,055 women)||State Government||2021|| ||free metro and bus services for women<ref name="tamil nadu">{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/social-issues/gender/free-rides-women-empowerment-tamil-nadu-bus-ticket-scheme-critical-evaluation/article34793039.ece|title=Tamil Nadu launches free bus travel for women's empowerment|date=18 June 2021 |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Israel}} Tel Aviv District, Israel||1,350,000||Na'im Busofash||22 November 2019|| ||Free weekend public transportation array that exists in 6 authorities in Gush Dan – Givatayim, Kiryat Ono, Ramat HaSharon, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Yehud-Monosson and Shoham. |- | {{flagicon|Israel}} Tiberias, Israel||41,300||Tiberias city council||2019|| ||one bus line that goes on Saturdays |- | {{flagicon|South Korea}} Hwaseong, South Korea||934,441||Hwaseong city||2020|| ||Fare-free bus service for the children, youth, and elderly |- | {{flagicon|Thailand}} Bangkok, Thailand||8,249,000||several|||| ||In some bus lines in older unair-conditioned bus (fare prices are also about age/equipment of bus). Also time and again for new public metro tracks for several months. |- | {{flagicon|Turkey}} Ovacık, Turkey||6,998||Ovacık municipality||2014|| ||All municipality-operated buses are free<ref name="tunceli">{{cite web |title=Maçoğlu'ndan 'ücretsiz ulaşım' açıklaması: Kâr-zarar hesabı yapılmaz, halkın parası bu |url=https://haber.sol.org.tr/haber/macoglundan-ucretsiz-ulasim-aciklamasi-kar-zarar-hesabi-yapilmaz-halkin-parasi-bu-331783 |publisher=soL |access-date=2 July 2022 |language=tr |date=6 April 2022}}</ref> |- | {{flagicon|Turkey}} Tunceli, Turkey||38,429||Tunceli municipality||2019|| ||Free in three neighbourhoods that doesn't have privately operated public bus<ref name="tunceli"/> |- |}

===Americas=== ==== Brazil ==== [[File:Tarifa Zero VGP.png|thumb|A bus with free public transport in Vargem Grande Paulista, Brazil]] {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Town/City ! Population ! Operator ! First year ! Duration ! Notes |- | Agudos, SP||36,700||local government||2011||since 2011||<ref name="BR-1"> {{cite web | title = Transporte público grátis já existe em cidades brasileiras | date =17 June 2013 | trans-title =Free public transport already exists in Brazilian cities | publisher = Envolverde | url = http://envolverde.com.br/noticias/transporte-publico-gratis-ja-existe-em-cidades-brasileiras/ | access-date = 2013-06-22 }} </ref><ref name="BR-2"> {{cite web | title = Transporte gratuito é realidade em cidades brasileiras | trans-title =Free transportation is a reality in Brazilian cities | publisher = A Tarde | url = http://atarde.uol.com.br/brasil/materias/1510873-transporte-gratuito-e-realidade-em-cidades-brasileiras | access-date = 2013-06-22 }} </ref><ref name="BR-3">{{cite web | title = Tarifa zero é possível: conheça cidades que têm transporte público gratuito | trans-title =Zero rate is possible: meet cities that have free public transport | publisher = Brasil Metrópole | url = http://www.brasilmetropole.com.br/entretenimento2/noticias-mundiais/5864-tarifa-zero-e-possivel-conheca-cidades-que-tem-transporte-publico-gratuito | access-date = 2013-06-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130623040652/http://www.brasilmetropole.com.br/entretenimento2/noticias-mundiais/5864-tarifa-zero-e-possivel-conheca-cidades-que-tem-transporte-publico-gratuito | archive-date = 2013-06-23 }}</ref> |- | Ivaiporã, PR||31,812||local government||2011||since 2011||<ref name="BR-1"/><ref name="BR-2"/><ref name="BR-3"/> |- | Porto Real, RJ||16,574||local government||2011||since 2011||<ref name="BR-1"/><ref name="BR-2"/> |- | Potirendaba, SP||15,449||local government||1998||since 1998||<ref name="BR-4">{{cite web | title = Prefeitura de Potirendaba garante circular gratuita para população | trans-title = Potirendaba Prefecture guarantees free circulation for the population | publisher = Prefeitura de Potirendaba | url = http://www.potirendaba.sp.gov.br/noticia.asp?id=77 | access-date = 2013-10-25 | archive-date = 29 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204533/http://www.potirendaba.sp.gov.br/noticia.asp?id=77 }}</ref> |- | Paulínia, SP||86,800||local government||2013||since 2013||<ref name="BR-5"> {{cite web | title = Moura Júnior anuncia tarifa zero no transporte público de Paulínia, SP | trans-title =Moura Júnior announces zero fare on public transport in Paulínia, SP | publisher = G1 | url = http://g1.globo.com/sp/campinas-regiao/noticia/2013/07/moura-junior-anuncia-tarifa-zero-no-transporte-publico-de-paulinia-sp.html | access-date = 2013-10-25 | date = 2013-07-17 }} </ref> |- | Maricá, RJ||146,549||Empresa Pública de Transportes – EPT||2014||since 2014||<ref name="BR-8"> {{cite web | title = Fim do monopólio: transporte público é gratuito em Maricá | trans-title =End of the monopoly: public transport is free in Maricá | publisher = Prefeitura de Maricá | url = http://www.marica.rj.gov.br/?s=noticia&n=4737 | access-date = 2016-02-13 }} </ref> |- | Muzambinho, MG||21,975||local government||2011||since 2011||<ref name="BR-6"> {{cite web | title = Tarifa zero: transporte público é de graça em Muzambinho, MG | trans-title =Zero rate: public transport is free in Muzambinho, MG | publisher = G1 | url = http://g1.globo.com/mg/sul-de-minas/noticia/2013/06/tarifa-zero-transporte-publico-e-de-graca-em-muzambinho-mg.html | access-date = 2013-10-25 | date = 2013-06-24 }} </ref> |- | Pitanga, PR||32,645||local government||2012||since 2012||<ref name="BR-7"> {{cite web | title = "Tarifa zero" é realidade em alguns municípios pequenos do Brasil | trans-title ="Zero tariff" is a reality in some small municipalities in Brazil | publisher = Gazeta do Povo | url = http://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/vidaecidadania/conteudo.phtml?id=1384582 | access-date = 2013-10-25 }} </ref> |- | Silva Jardim, RJ||21,307||local government||2014||since 2014-02-15||<ref name="BR-9">{{cite web | title = Transporte de tarifa zero completa um ano e meio de existência | trans-title = Transportation of zero fare complete one and a half year of existence | publisher = Prefeitura de Silva Jardim | url = http://www.silvajardim.rj.gov.br/site/index.php/transporte/597-transporte-de-tarifa-zero-completa-um-ano-e-meio-de-exist%C3%AAncia | access-date = 2016-02-13 | archive-date = 16 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160216103222/http://www.silvajardim.rj.gov.br/site/index.php/transporte/597-transporte-de-tarifa-zero-completa-um-ano-e-meio-de-exist%C3%AAncia }}</ref> |- | Vargem Grande Paulista, SP||48,720||||2019||since 2019||<ref>{{cite thesis |type=MPP |last=Landin |first=Lucas |date=2022 |title=Tarifa Zero: La financiación del transporte público gratuito en el Municipio de Vargem Grande Paulista, Brasil |publisher=University of Chile|url=https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/191822}}</ref> |}

==== Canada ==== {| class="wikitable sortable" !Town/City !Population !Operator !First Year !Duration !Notes |- |Candiac, Quebec |21,000 | |2014 | | |- |Canmore, Alberta |13,000 |ROAM |2019 | |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Town of Canmore|title=Paid Parking and Fare Free Transit|url=https://canmore.ca/projects/transportation-projects/paid-parking-fare-free-transit}}</ref> |- |Cold Lake, Alberta |15,000 |Cold Lake Transit | | |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cold Lake Transit|title=Cold Lake Transit|date=31 January 2022|url=https://www.coldlake.com/content/cold-lake-transit}}</ref> |- |La Prairie, Quebec |23,000 | |2014 | | |- |Mont Tremblant, Quebec |10,000 |Mont-Tremblant Public Transit |2019 | |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ville de Mont Tremblant|title=Ville de Mont Tremblant|url=https://www.villedemont-tremblant.qc.ca/en/citizens/transportation/mont-tremblant-public-transit-tcmt}}</ref> |- |Orangeville, Ontario |30,700 |Orangeville Transit |2023 | |<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dunne |first1=James |title=Free transit actually is a thing, and you might be surprised where |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/free-transit-orangeville-1.7378695 |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=CBC News |date=11 November 2024}}</ref> |- |Sainte-Julie, Quebec |30,000 | |2014 | | |- |Saint-Philippe, Quebec |5,500 | |2014 | | |}

==== United States ==== {{see also|Free public transport in Massachusetts}} {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Town/City ! data-sort-type="Number" | Population ! Service/operator ! data-sort-type="Number" | First year ! Duration ! Notes |- | Albuquerque, New Mexico||564,559||ABQ RIDE||2022||||<ref> {{cite web |title = Zero Fares is Here to Stay |publisher = City of Albuquerque |url = https://www.cabq.gov/transit/news/zero-fares-is-here-to-stay }} </ref> |- | Alexandria, Virginia||159,467||DASH (bus)||2021||||<ref> {{cite web |title = DASH to Launch New Bus Network, Go Fare-Free on Sept. 5 |publisher = Alexandria Transit Company |url = https://www.dashbus.com/NDNLaunch |access-date = 2021-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816175446/https://www.dashbus.com/NDNLaunch |archive-date=16 August 2021 }} </ref> |- | Athens, Georgia||126,913||Athens Transit||2021||||<ref> {{cite web | title = ACC Commissioners approve large, ambitious budget | date = 15 June 2021 | publisher = Athens Politics Nerd | url = https://athenspoliticsnerd.com/fy-2022-acc-budget/ | access-date = 2021-06-15 }} </ref> |- |Athens, Ohio |23,849 |Athens Public Transit | | |through April 2027<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giovanni |first=Larry Di |date=2026-03-26 |title=Free bus rides for APT at least another year – Athens County Independent |url=https://athensindependent.com/acc-apt-032336-2/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Avon, Colorado||6,115||Avon/Beaver Creek Transit||2021||||<ref> {{cite web | title = The Town of Avon is serviced by free bus service | date = | publisher = Avon Mobility Department | url = https://www.avon.org/2038/Mobility | access-date = 2021-06-15 }} </ref> |- | Blacksburg, Virginia||44,826||Blacksburg Transit||2020<ref> {{cite web | date = April 2, 2020 | title = BT to Implement Fare Free Service - Effective 4/2/2020 | url = https://www.blacksburg.gov/Home/Components/News/News/9166/ | publisher = Town of Blacksburg, VA | access-date = November 20, 2025 }} </ref>.||since 2020||since 2022|BT halted the collection of fares in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Blacksburg Town Council voted unanimously to stick with the status quo and permanently approved a fare-free<ref> {{cite web | title = Fare Information | date = | url = https://www.ridebt.org/fare-information | publisher = Blacksburg Transit | access-date = November 20, 2025 }} </ref> system<ref> {{cite web | last = Otey | first = Jazmine | date = December 14, 2022 | title = Blacksburg residents can now ride public buses free of charge | url = https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/12/14/blacksburg-residents-can-now-ride-public-buses-free-of-charge/ | publisher = WSLS-TV | access-date = November 20, 2025 }} </ref>. |- |Boone, North Carolina||17,122||AppalCart<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://appalcart.com/media/overview02-01-11.pdf |title=appalcart.com - Microsoft Word - AppalCART Overview110125.doc - overview02-01-11.pdf |access-date=2012-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216172824/http://appalcart.com/media/overview02-01-11.pdf |archive-date=2012-12-16 }}</ref>||1981||since 1981||combination of funding from the town, Appalachian State University, Watauga County, and state and federal agencies. |- |Boston, Massachusetts||675,647||several MBTA key bus routes (23, 28, and 29)||2021||2021 until February 28, 2026{{Update inline|date=May 2026}}||{{Main|Free public transport in Boston}} |- |Breckenridge, Colorado||4,901||Free Ride Transit System||1997|||| |- |Butler County, Ohio |390,357 |Butler County Regional Transit Authority | | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fare Price Breakdown {{!}} Fixed & Reduced Rates {{!}} BCRTA |url=https://www.butlercountyrta.com/bgo-curb-to-curb/fare-price-breakdown/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Butler County RTA |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Cache Valley, Utah||||Cache Valley Transit District||2000||since 2000|| |- | Canby, Oregon||15,829||Canby Area Transit|||||| |- |Cape Cod, Massachusetts | |Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority |2025 |since 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Launches Fare-Free Bus Service & Assesses Future Needs {{!}} Town of Brewster |url=https://www.brewster-ma.gov/home/news/cape-cod-regional-transit-authority-launches-fare-free-bus-service-assesses-future-needs |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=Brewster-ma.gov}}</ref> |- | Chadron, Nebraska||5,488||City of Chadron|||||| |- | Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina||70,000+||Chapel Hill Transit||2002||since 2002||operated by the Town of Chapel Hill to serve Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and UNC-Chapel Hill; supported by taxpayers and University fee-payers |- | Clallam County, Washington||77,805||Clallam Transit||2024||one-year pilot{{Update inline|date=May 2026}}||Does not apply to long-distance routes and Hurricane Ridge shuttle<ref name="SeattleTimes-2023">{{cite news |last=Beekman |first=Daniel |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Clallam Transit will be latest of many WA systems to go fare-free |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/clallam-transit-will-be-latest-of-many-wa-systems-to-go-fare-free/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref> |- | Clemson, South Carolina||11,939||Clemson Area Transit||||||partnership between Clemson University and surrounding communities |- |Clovis, California |120,124 | |2025 |since 2025 |New service launched in late 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clovis is doubling its free public transit service. Here’s what it will cost |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article311796100.html |access-date=May 2, 2026 |website=The Fresno Bee}}</ref> |- |Columbia, Missouri |126,254 |Go COMO |2020 |since 2020 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Parker Knight, KOMU 8 |date=2025-08-29 |title=Go COMO and Columbia Public Works will ask City Council to keep buses free to ride |url=https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/go-como-and-columbia-public-works-will-ask-city-council-to-keep-buses-free-to/article_7646e934-719e-4f57-b467-20b7ffff2227.html |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=KOMU 8 |language=en}}</ref> |- | Commerce, California||41,000||City of Commerce Municipal Bus Lines||1962||since 1962||all transportation services are free of charge<ref>{{cite web | title = Transportation Services | publisher = City of Commerce, California (municipal web site) | url = http://www.ci.commerce.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=90 | access-date = 2012-01-11 | archive-date = 18 August 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120818115303/http://www.ci.commerce.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=90 }}</ref> |- | Coral Gables, Florida||42,871|||||||| |- | Corvallis, Oregon || 54,462 || Corvallis Transit System ||2011||since February 2011||<ref> {{cite web |url=http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/corvallis-transit-system-drops-bus-fares/article_e6ae31e0-2e8e-11e0-9a07-001cc4c002e0.html |title=Corvallis Transit System drops bus fares |publisher=Corvallis Gazette-Times |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=19 June 2013 }} </ref> |- | Dayton, Ohio||137,644||Flyer Shuttle Bus operated by the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority||2018||since 2018||Shuttle connects downtown Dayton and University of Dayton<ref>{{citation |title=RTA Launches The Flyer – A Free Shuttle Bus Service Downtown |url=https://mostmetro.com/the-featured-articles/rta-launches-the-flyer-a-free-shuttle-bus-service-downtown.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019004717/http://www.mostmetro.com/the-featured-articles/rta-launches-the-flyer-a-free-shuttle-bus-service-downtown.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=19 October 2018 |website=mostmetro.com |date=18 October 2018 |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> |- | Detroit, Michigan||639,000||Q Line operated by the Detroit Transport Authority||2017||since 2017||Connecting northern suburbs to central Detroit<ref>{{citation |title=Q-LINE |url=https://www.qlinedetroit.com/ |website=qlinedetroit.com}}</ref> |- |Detroit, Michigan |639,000 |Detroit People Mover |2024 |since 2024 |Sponsored pilot project. |- | Ellensburg, Washington||20,326||Central Transit|| ||||<ref name="SeattleTimes-2023"/> |- |El Paso County, Texas |865,657 |El Paso Transportation Authority |2025 |until 2026 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoggard |first=Emma |date=2025-12-15 |title=It will be free to ride El Paso County buses until September 2026 |url=https://kvia.com/news/el-paso/2025/12/15/it-will-be-free-to-ride-el-paso-county-buses-until-september-2026/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=KVIA |language=en-US}}</ref> |-F| Emeryville, California||9,727||Emery Go-Round|||||| |- | Fairfax, Virginia||24,276||CUE Bus||2020||Until June 30, 2026||<ref>{{cite web |title=CUE Zero-Fare Pilot |url=https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/public-works/transportation-division/cue-bus-system/cue-fare-free-pilot |website=Fairfaxva.gov |publisher=City of Fairfax, VA |access-date=22 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=22 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122190234/https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/public-works/transportation-division/cue-bus-system/cue-fare-free-pilot |url-status=dead }}</ref> CUE stopped collecting fares in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since continued operating zero-fare. Funded in part by the Fairfax, Virginia and a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. |- | Fort Collins, Colorado||169,810||Transfort||2020|| ||Transfort stopped collecting fares in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since continued operating zero-fare. As of January 2023, the city is considering keeping Transfort fare-free permanently.<ref>{{cite web |title=About {{pipe}} RideTransfort |url=http://ridetransfort.com/abouttransfort/safety |website=RideTransfort |publisher=City of Fort Collins, CO |access-date=4 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref> |- |Frederick County, Maryland |302,883 |TransIT |2026 |since 2026 | |- |Gallatin County, Montana |118,960 |Streamline | | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/streamline-bozeman-publictransit-transportation/article_5b002b49-11d5-463f-8b23-9f68a0fa61b7.html|title=The Streamline 'lifeline': In 20th year, Gallatin Valley’s zero-fare transit plans its next decade|first=Leah|last=Veress|website=Bozemandailychronicle.com|access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref> |- | Grant County, Washington|| ||Grant Transit Authority||2020|| ||Became permanently fare-free in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zero Fares |url=https://www.granttransit.com/buy-a-pass |publisher=Grant Transit Authority |access-date=August 29, 2024}}</ref> |- | Island County, Washington||81,054||Island Transit||1987||since 1987|| |- | Hawaii County, Hawaii||206,315||Hele-On Bus||2021||until the end of 2025{{Update inline|date=May 2026}}||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/fare-collection/press-release/53042872/county-of-hawaii-mass-transit-agency-hele-on-extends-free-fare-program-through-2025 |title=Hele-On extends free fare program through 2025 |date=29 March 2023 }}</ref> |- |Iowa City, Iowa |74,828 |Iowa City Transit |2023 |through 2026 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Ryan |title=Iowa City will continue to offer free bus rides for at least another year. What to know |url=https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2025/07/17/iowa-citys-fare-free-transit-program-will-continue-through-2026/84505242007/ |access-date=2025-10-18 |website=Iowa City Press-Citizen |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Jefferson County, Washington|| ||Jefferson Transit||2024||since January 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=Fares & Passes |date=18 November 2011 |url=https://jeffersontransit.com/fares-passes/ |publisher=Jefferson Transit |access-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105024036/https://jeffersontransit.com/fares-passes/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>|| |- | Kansas City, Missouri||301,500||RideKC buses and KC Streetcar||2019||2019–2023||The first large U.S. city to implement a universal, systemwide fare-free scheme after a unanimous City Council vote to make RideKC buses Zero Fare through 2023. The bus system previously cost travelers $1.50 per ride or $50 for a monthly pass, while the KC Streetcar has been fare free since it began service in 2016.<ref name="cnbcfree">{{cite web |title=Americans spend over 15% of their budgets on transportation costs—these US cities are trying to make it free |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/free-public-transportation-is-a-reality-in-100-citiesheres-why.html |website=CNBC |date=2 March 2020 |publisher=Online |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> |- | Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho||3,003||Mountain Rides|||||| |- | Kootenai County, Idaho||||Citylink||||||<ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://coeurdalene.org/discover/area-information/transportation/ | title=Transportation &#124; Visit Coeur d'Alene |website=Coeurdalene.org}}</ref> |- |Laramie, Wyoming |31,407 |University of Wyoming Transit System | | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transit |url=https://www.uwyo.edu/transportation/transit/index.html |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Uwyo.edu |language=en}}</ref> |- |Las Cruces, New Mexico |111,385 |RoadRUNNER Transit |2022 |since 2022 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parra |first=Ariana |date=2022-11-28 |title=Las Cruces RoadRUNNER begins zero-fare trial period |url=https://cbs4local.com/news/local/las-cruces-new-mexico-roadrunner-transit-bus-begins-zero-fare-trial-period |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=KDBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roadrunner Transit - City of Las Cruces |url=https://lascruces.gov/community/transportation/roadrunner-transit/ |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=City of Las Cruces |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Lawrence, Kansas |94,934 |Lawrence Transit |2023 |since 2023 |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-01 |title=Ride Lawrence Transit buses fare-free for 2025 |url=https://lawrencekstimes.com/2024/11/01/transit-fare-free-25/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=The Lawrence Times |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Lebanon, New Hampshire||13,151||Advance Transit||||||combination of state and federal funding and from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College. Also serves Hanover and White River Junction, Vermont |- | Logan, Utah||49,534||Cache Valley Transit District||1992||since 1992|| |- | Macomb, Illinois ||20,000||Go West Transit||2006||since 2006|| |- | Milwaukee, Wisconsin ||560,000||Transdev||2018||since 2018||Hop streetcar services provided free through various sponsorships starting in 2018 |- | Mammoth Lakes, California||8,234||Eastern Sierra Transit Authority|||||| |- | Marion, Indiana ||29,948||Marion Area Transit System||2008||since 2008|| |- |Martin County, Florida |158,431 |Martin County Public Transit |2025 |since 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hatfield |first=Tyler |date=2025-11-11 |title=ALL ABOARD! Martin County makes public transit free after commission approval |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/treasure-coast/region-martin-county/martin-county-makes-public-transit-free-after-commission-approval |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm |language=en}}</ref> |- | Mason County, Washington||61,019||Mason Transit Authority||1992<ref name="SeattleTimes-2023"/>||||Fares charged on intra-county routes |- |Memphis, Tennessee |633,104 |Memphis Area Transit Authority |2025 |since 2025 |At least until June 2026<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Jack |title=MATA extends zero fare program another 90 days. What to know |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2026/03/24/mata-zero-fare-program-extended/89301547007/ |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Missoula, Montana||69,122||Missoula Urban Transportation District|||||| |- |Montgomery County, Maryland |1,082,273 |Ride On |2019 | |2019: under 18,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Alexis |date=2025-12-01 |title=Free Buses Can Be a Reality — Just Look at Maryland |url=https://truthout.org/articles/free-buses-can-be-a-reality-just-look-at-maryland/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Truthout |language=en-US |quote=Montgomery County first made its “Ride On” buses free to all riders under 18 in 2019. Then on June 29, 2025, it made all of its buses fare-free for all passengers… In the three months since free fares were instituted, ridership has increased by 5.4 percent}}</ref> July 2025: all riders<ref>{{Cite web |last=McBride |first=Allison |date=2025-07-02 |title=Montgomery County makes all Ride On buses free for riders |url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/montgomery-county-makes-all-ride-buses-free-riders |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=FOX 5 DC |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Moscow, Idaho||25,146||SMART Transit|| ||||<ref>{{citation |title=Regional Public Transportation |url=http://www.smarttransit.org/ |website=Smarttransit.org |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> |- | Mountain View, California||81,500||Google and City of Mountain View||||||Mountain View Community Shuttle, electric bus service 10AM to 6PM daily |- | Muckleshoot Indian Reservation, Washington||||Muckleshoot Indian Tribe||||||<ref name="auto3"/> |- |New York City, New York |{{American transit ridership|NY DOT FB annual}}{{American transit ridership|annualcitation}} |MTA Regional Bus Operations – Q70 bus |2022 |since May 2022<ref name="NBC New York 2022">{{cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Q70 Bus to LaGuardia Is Free for All Starting May 1, Hochul Says |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/q70-bus-to-laguardia-airport-free-for-all-starting-may-1-hochul-announces/3666084/ |access-date=April 28, 2022 |website=NBC New York}}</ref> |The Q70 bus route has been permanently fare-free since May 2022.<ref name="NBC New York 2022" /> The Q4, B60, Bx18, M116 and S46/96 temporarily became fare-free 24 September 2023,<ref>{{cite web |title=NYC officials assures New Yorkers new MTA fare-free bus program is 'not a pipe dream' |url=https://abc7ny.com/mta-pilot-program-fare-free-bus-lines-routes-nyc/13805699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107152242/https://abc7ny.com/mta-pilot-program-fare-free-bus-lines-routes-nyc/13805699/ |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=abc7ny.com |date=20 September 2023 |publisher=ABC 7 New York}}</ref> but fares were reinstated 31 August 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matteo |first=Mike |date=August 29, 2024 |title=NYC fare-free bus pilot to end this weekend: What riders on Staten Island need to know |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2024/08/nyc-fare-free-bus-pilot-to-end-this-weekend-what-riders-on-staten-island-need-to-know.html |access-date=September 1, 2024 |website=silive}}</ref> |- |New York City, New York |{{American transit ridership|NY DOT FB annual}}{{American transit ridership|annualcitation}} |Roosevelt Island Red Bus |2014 |since April 2014<ref name="wsj-2014-04-03">{{Cite news |last=Bashan |first=Yoni |date=2014-04-03 |title=Save Your Change: This Ride on New York's Roosevelt Island is Free |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304441304579477862046443926.html |access-date=2023-09-01 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> | |- | New York City, New York ||{{American transit ridership|NY DOT FB annual}}{{American transit ridership|annualcitation}} || Staten Island Ferry (NYCDOT) || 1997 || since July 1997<ref name="Sontag 1997">{{Cite news |last=Sontag |first=Deborah |date=July 5, 1997 |title=On the Staten Island Ferry, Illusory 'Free Ride' Is Reality |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/05/nyregion/on-the-staten-island-ferry-illusory-free-ride-is-reality.html |access-date=September 19, 2017 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> || |- |Norman, Oklahoma |128,026 |EMBARK |2023 |since 2023 |<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-09-16 |title=New city bus routes and transit center starting in October |url=https://www.normantranscript.com/news/new-city-bus-routes-and-transit-center-starting-in-october/article_d78ccb9e-5410-11ee-aa30-bb3580c9e2a2.html |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Norman Transcript |language=en}}</ref> |- | Olympia/Thurston County, Washington||252,264||Intercity Transit||2020||2020–2027|||5-year pilot, later extended to 2027<ref name="SeattleTimes-2023"/> |- |Oxford, Mississippi |25,416 |Oxford-University Transit | | |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jira |first=Violet |date=2022-04-28 |title=Inside Oxford-University Transit: The system that keeps Oxford moving |url=https://thedmonline.com/inside-oxford-university-transit-the-system-that-moves-a-city/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=The Daily Mississippian |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Park City, Utah||8,300||Park City Transit, High Valley Transit|||||||Also serves Snyderville Basin |- |Placer County, California |404,739 |Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit |2019 |since 2019 |through December 2027<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free rides extended and new system plan approved for Truckee Tahoe Area Regional Transit {{!}} Placer County, CA |url=https://www.placer.ca.gov/10569/TART-systems-update-and-free-rides |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=Placer.ca.gov}}</ref> |- |Provo, Utah/Orem, Utah||215,175||Utah Transit Authority||2018||since 2018||Utah Valley Express (UVx) Bus-Rapid Transit Line only. UVX fare has been covered by a Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement grant through 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=UVX Service Starts August 13 |url=https://www.rideuta.com/news/2018/08/UVX-Service-Starts-August-13 |website=RideUTA |publisher=Online |access-date=2 July 2019}}</ref> |- |Radford, Virginia |16,070 |Radford Transit | | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radford VA Transit – Radford VA Transit |url=https://radfordtransit.com/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=radfordtransit.com}}</ref> |- |Richmond, Virginia |226,610 |Greater Richmond Transit Company |2020 |through 2026 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mirshahi |first=Dean |date=2025-04-08 |title=VCU not committed to future funding for GRTC's $0 fares |url=https://www.vpm.org/news/2025-04-08/grtc-vcu-rva-rapid-transit-free-fare-bus-ride-funding-faith-walker |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=VPM |language=en}}</ref> |- | Rome, Georgia||37,746||Rome Transit Department (RTD)||2021||until 29 December 2023 (planned){{Update inline|date=May 2026}}||Beginning on 4 October 2021, the City of Rome Transit Department began offering free Fixed-Route Transit Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fare adjustment is currently set to expire on 29 December 2023. |- | Sandy, Oregon||9,570||Sandy Area Metro||2000||since 2000|| |- | Spokane Indian Reservation, Washington||||Spokane Tribe of Indians||||||<ref name="auto"/> |- | Stanford, California||13,809||Stanford Marguerite Shuttle|||||| |- | Starkville, Mississippi||23,888||Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit|||||| |- | Tacoma, Washington|| 216,279 ||Sound Transit T Line || 2003 || 2023 || Eliminated after extension |- | Tampa, Florida|| 380,000 || TECO Line Streetcar || 2018 || || Service with fares started in 2002, free since 2018. |- |Terre Haute, Indiana |58,389 |Terre Haute Transit |2025 |since 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free |url=https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/12/132983-terre-haute-transit-goes-fare-free |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Planetizen.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | Tucson, Arizona|| 1,043,433 || Sun Tran || 2020 || || Fare free for the entire Tucson Metropolitan Area since Spring 2020. Originally a pandemic-era temporary measure, it is now permanent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tucson's public transit system is now officially free to ride |url=https://azluminaria.org/2023/05/09/tucsons-public-transit-system-is-now-officially-free-to-ride-a-first-in-arizona/ |website=AZLuminaria |date=10 May 2023 |publisher=Online |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= All Transit Rides Are Free|url=https://www.suntran.com/fares-passes/ |website=Sun Tran |publisher=Online |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> |- | Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon||||Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation||||||<ref name="auto1"/> |- | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan|| 120,000 || University of Michigan Transit Services|| |||| |- | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota||51,853||U of M Transitway||1992||since 1992|| |- | Vail, Colorado||4,589||||||||over 20 hours of service every day during winter |- | Vero Beach, Florida||15,220||GoLine||||||free 14-route public transit system serves 700,000 annual riders |- | Walla Walla, Washington||50,600||Valley Transit||1981||||Until 2026<ref>{{cite news |last=Dinman |first=Emry |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Walla Walla's Valley Transit eliminates most fares for riders until 2026 |url=https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local/governments/walla-wallas-valley-transit-eliminates-most-fares-for-riders-until-2026/article_b055c546-e835-11ec-8e11-0bed066629f9.html |work=Walla Walla Union-Bulletin |access-date=July 28, 2023}}</ref> |- | Westchester County||1,004,457<ref>{{cite web |title="QuickFacts Westchester County, New York". |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/westchestercountynewyork/PST045216 |website=Census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau. . |access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref>||Bee-Line Bus System||2022||||June 1 through September 5 (Labor Day)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://transportation.westchestergov.com/ride-bee-line-for-free-this-summer | title=Ride Bee-Line for Free this Summer|website=Transportation.westchestergov.com }}</ref> |- | Wilmington, Vermont||2,225||Deerfield Valley Transit Association||1996||since 1996||free 13-route public transit system operated by Southeast Vermont Transit serving 200,000 riders annually and providing commuter bus service between Bennington and Brattleboro. Operates as "the MOOver". |- | Wilsonville, Oregon||19,509||South Metro Area Regional Transit|||||| |- |Worcester, Massachusetts |206,518 |Worcester Regional Transit Authority |2020 |since 2020 |All buses fare-free |- | Yakama Indian Reservation, Washington||||Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation||||||<ref name="auto2"/> |- |Yamhill County, Oregon |107,722 |Yamhill County Transit |2020 |since 2020 |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-30 |title=County transit to seek route decrease, free fares |url=http://newsregister.com/article?articleId=36672 |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=newsregister.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Fares |url=https://ycbus.org/fares-buses/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Yamhill County Transit |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Irvine, California |307,670 |City of Irvine |2024 |since 2024 |operated by local municipal government, beginning as a one-year pilot<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-13 |title=Irvine CONNECT |url=https://www.cityofirvine.org/transportation/irvine-connect |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=City of Irvine |language=en}}</ref> |}

=== Oceania ===

==== Australia ==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Town/City !Population !Service/operator !First year !Duration !Notes |- |{{Flag icon|South Australia}} Adelaide CBD, South Australia |18,202 |Adelaide Metro | | |Four bus routes that run a loop around the CBD and neighbouring North Adelaide are free, as well as all trams between the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and South Terrace.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-07-01 |title=Free and special services |url=https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plan-a-trip/free-and-special-transport |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Adelaide Metro |language=en}}</ref> |- |{{Flag icon|Northern Territory}} Alice Springs, Northern Territory |25,912 |CDC Northern Territory |2025 |since 2025 |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-07-09 |title=Bus tickets and fares |url=https://nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-buses/fares |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Northern Territory Government |language=en}}</ref> |- |{{Flag icon|Northern Territory}} Darwin, Northern Territory |139,902 |CDC Northern Territory |2025 |since 2025 |<ref name=":0" /> |- |{{Flag icon|Victoria}} Docklands, Victoria |15,495 |Yarra Trams |2015 |since 2014 |All trams in the suburb are within the tram network's Free Tram Zone.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Public transport {{!}} City of Melbourne |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/public-transport |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=City of Melbourne |language=en}}</ref> |- |{{Flag icon|Victoria}} Melbourne CBD, Victoria |54,941 |Yarra Trams |2015 |since 2015 |All trams in the suburb north of the Yarra River are within the tram network's Free Tram Zone.<ref name=":1" /> |- |{{Flag icon|Western Australia}} Perth CBD, Western Australia |13,670 |Transperth | | |Free travel on buses and on trains between City West, Elizabeth Quay, and Claisebrook.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transperth Free Travel |url=https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/free-travel |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Transperth}}</ref> |}

==Perception and analysis== Fare-free transit has been repeatedly demonstrated to increase ridership—especially during non-peak travel periods—and customer satisfaction.<ref>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Antonio |title=Fare-Free Transit – A Strategy for Sustainable Transportation |url=http://www.bv.transports.gouv.qc.ca/mono/1023088/06_Municipalites_zones_urbaines/15_Fare_free_transit_strategy_sustainable_transportation.pdf |website=Gouvernement du Québec |publisher=Government of Quebec |access-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321041554/http://www.bv.transports.gouv.qc.ca/mono/1023088/06_Municipalites_zones_urbaines/15_Fare_free_transit_strategy_sustainable_transportation.pdf |archive-date=21 March 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Several analyses<ref name="studenmundTRA1982">{{cite journal |last1=Studenmund |first1=A.H. |last2=Connor |first2=David |title=The free-fare transit experiments |journal=Transportation Research Part A: General |date=July 1982 |volume=16 |issue=4 |pages=261–269 |doi=10.1016/0191-2607(82)90053-X }}</ref><ref name="spearTRR1981">{{cite journal |first1=L.B. |last1=Doxsey |first2=B.D. |last2=Spear |title=Free-Fare Transit: Some Empirical Findings |journal=Transportation Research Record |date=1981 |issue=799 |pages=47–49 |url=https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1981/799/799-010.pdf }}</ref><ref name="shoupJPER2003">{{cite journal |last1=Brown |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Hess |first2=Daniel Baldwin |last3=Shoup |first3=Donald |title=Fare-Free Public Transit at Universities: An Evaluation |journal=Journal of Planning Education and Research |date=September 2003 |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=69–82 |doi=10.1177/0739456X03255430 }}</ref> have shown ridership increased by as much as 15% overall and about 45% during the off-peak periods. The effects on public transport operators included schedule adherence problems because of the increased ridership and more complaints about rowdiness from younger passengers, though there is a reduction in altercations relating to fare collection.<ref name="studenmundTRA1982" /> When the University of California, Los Angeles covered fares for the university community, ridership increased by 56% in the first year and solo driving fell by 20%.<ref name="shoupJPER2003" />

In the United States, mass transit systems that collect fares are only expected to generate about 10% of the annual revenue themselves, with the remainder covered by either public or private investment and advertisements.<ref name="cnbcfree"/> Therefore, politicians and social-justice advocacy groups, such as the Swedish network Planka.nu, see zero-fare public transport as a low-cost, high-impact approach to reducing economic inequality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://planka.nu/eng|title=Free public transport |website=Planka.nu}}</ref> It has also been argued that transportation to and from work is essential to the employer in the managing of work hours, so financing of public transportation should fall to employers rather than private individuals or public funds.<ref>[http://planka.nu/vad-tycker-vi/kollektivtrafik-ska-vara-avgiftsfri Planka.nu: Kollektivtrafik ska vara avgiftsfri] (''tr. Public transport must be free of charge'') {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415201440/http://planka.nu/vad-tycker-vi/kollektivtrafik-ska-vara-avgiftsfri |date=2009-04-15 }} (Swedish)</ref>

==See also== * Car-free movement * Effects of the car on societies * Movimento Passe Livre, Brazilian movement campaigning for free public transport * Planka.nu Swedish membership network which pays the penalty fare if you get caught without paying ticket * Reduced fare programs * Transport divide * Universal basic services * Universal transit pass * Urban vitality * 9-Euro-Ticket (in Germany in June, July and August 2022)

==Further reading==

* Štraub, Daniel; Hess, Daniel Baldwin (2025). "Re-examining fare-free public transport for greater inclusivity". ''Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives''. '''33'''.

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://freepublictransport.info/ freepublictransports.com] Network of groups promoting free public transport *[https://web.archive.org/web/20210411011808/http://www.freepublictransit.org/ freepublictransit.org] Advocacy website *[http://www.ptua.org.au/myths/free.shtml Argument against free public transport] *[https://www.resilience.org/stories/2018-07-25/free-public-transport-and-the-right-to-the-city/ Free Public Transport and the Right to the City]. Yavor Tarinski. Resilience.org. Published 25 July 2018.

{{Public transport}}

Category:Free public transport Category:Public administration Category:Transport economics