Tucson's fare-free transit could end next year

Published: Monday, November 28, 2022 - 5:05am

Tucson officials say free public transit will not continue into 2023 if the city cannot find new funding for the program.

Transit users in Tucson have been getting fare-free rides on the city’s street car, buses and vans since 2020, thanks to a program funded by emergency COVID-19 relief money. 

But federal dollars have since run out. As the Arizona Daily Star reports, the program will cost roughly $9 million per year to keep running. It’s set to end Dec. 31 unless the city can find a new way to fund it.

The publication reports student leaders at the University of Arizona have pushed the university to provide permanent fare-free transit. But officials have not publicly announced whether they’ll help the program stay. 

The City Council is expected to vote on the future of the program in December. 

Fronteras Transportation