Today, Explained City Limits: Should public transit be free?
9 snips
Mar 24, 2023 
Join D.C. City Council member Charles Allen, a passionate advocate for free public transit, and David Zipper, a scholar on urban planning from Harvard. They dive into the current crisis facing public transport, discussing how free fares could boost equity and ridership. The duo explores financial challenges, the need for reliable service, and the vital role of transit for essential workers. With an optimistic yet cautious approach, they tackle community concerns and the ambitious push for a fare-free future in Washington, D.C.
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DC Bus Payment Confusion
- DC's bus payment system became confusing during the pandemic, with some paying and some not.
- Some bus drivers even seemed to prefer riders not paying, creating an unusual status quo.
Movement for Free DC Buses
- Amidst payment confusion, a movement emerged to make DC buses permanently free.
- The idea is to simplify the system and improve service simultaneously.
Free Transit and Service Improvement
- Make bus and rail travel essentially free through fare elimination or subsidies.
- Create a dedicated fund for service improvements like reliability and bus shelters.