MISSOULA, Mont. — The Mountain Line transit system launched its zero-fare program this week allowing riders of its fixed route and door-to-door services, the Missoulian reported.
Agency officials estimate the change will boost ridership 45% in the next three years. The three-year Zero-fare demonstration project is sponsored by 14 different community partners, according to the report.
Funding for the pilot program came from a variety of sources, including local, state or federal funds and partnerships. These funds take the place of the revenue a public transit system would otherwise collect from passengers. For the full story, click here.
Correction: This story incorrectly reported that the project cost the agency an additional $400,000 a year. It is actually a redistribution of existing transit funds from 14 different partner organizations, and is not associated with any additional costs with the agency.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.