COLUMBUS — Millions of Ohioans ride public transportation, whether its COTA in Columbus, Metro in Cincinnati or the RTA in Cleveland.
The buses and trains offer a way to and from work, school and activities. Now, one of those systems is looking at the possibility of eliminating its fares.
Stevie Pasamonte, board chair of Transit Columbus, has been advocating for free bus fares for years now.
“It reduces the barriers that folks have to actually taking the bus, so this can be financial barriers obviously for folks that rely on public transportation to get back and forth everyday who may not be able to afford those fares,” Pasamonte said.
She said eliminating fares reduces technology barriers for those who aren’t skilled with using the transit app to navigate the bus system and would also make riding public transportation more efficient.
“When you’re getting on a bus, folks are either trying to find their bus pass, they’re trying to pull up the app on their phone, they’re trying to get the exact change to be able to pay,” Pasamonte said.
According to its 2023 annual report, the Central Ohio Transit Authority brought in just more than $13 million from fares, about 5% of its total revenue.
And now it’s looking into whether eliminating fares is a possibility.
COTA said it is conducting a feasibility study that analyzes these six specific factors, ncluding the financial impact and how it would affect its operations:
- Financial Impact
- Operational Considerations
- Equity and Accessibility
- Technology and Infrastructure
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Isbel Alvarado is a case manager with the Central Ohio Workers Center, a non-profit organization that advocates for low-wage and immigrant workers.
She said she believes fare-free bus rides will significantly help low-wage immigrant workers.
“First, it will reduce financial burden. Transportation costs can take up a large portion of income for low-wage workers,” Alvarado said.
She said eliminating fares will allow them to save more money for essentials like rent, food and healthcare.
“Also access to jobs and services. Workers can access a broader range of employment opportunities without worrying about fare costs or route changes. It becomes easier to attend job interviews,” Alvarado said.
If it does eliminate its fares, COTA would follow in the footsteps of a handful other public transportation systems across the country.
It's something Pasamonte believes is possible.
“If New Mexico and North Carolina and Kansas City and all of these places can do it, why aren’t we doing it here in Columbus, Ohio,” Pasamonte said.
COTA said it won’t have any more information until the No Fare Feasibility Study is completed. It began on May 1 and will run through the end of the year.
