Congress funds free buses for low-income riders, ends fare-evasion arrests
S. 2478 — Freedom to Move Act · Filed by Ed Markey (D-MA) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced Jul 28, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill creates a $5 billion annual federal grant program (2026–2030) to help states, counties, cities, and transit agencies eliminate fares on public buses and improve transit service, with priority for low-income riders and underserved communities. Applicants must show how they will redesign bus networks, consult with community stakeholders, end fare-evasion criminalization, and close equity gaps in transit access.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is a competitive grant program funding fare-free transit and service improvements, with explicit equity requirements and community engagement mandates. It is straightforward public infrastructure investment.
What the text implies
- Fare elimination may shift operational burden to federal funding; long-term sustainability depends on continued appropriations beyond 2030.
- Criminalization of fare evasion is eliminated only for grantees; non-participating transit systems retain enforcement authority.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
public transit agencies; state and local governments; transit workers (hiring/training)