Tucson public transit to remain free in 2023

 

Originally created as a measure to protect public transit in 2020, Tucson's public transit system has been running free of charge ever since. However, without income from fares, the city estimates that it has lost somewhere in the region of USD 30M over the past three years.  

 

The cost of running the transit system works out about USD 107M a year. Much of the cost is covered by American Rescue Plan funds, the city's own general fund, federal grants, the Regional Transport Authority and advertising revenue.  

 

The city is looking for more local partners to invest in the system to help offset the lost fare revenue. It will cost the city about USD 4.6M to keep fares free until December 2023 according to City Manager Michael Ortega.  

 

The city is currently debating whether to commit to free fares in the future whether or not the shortfall can be covered.