Montana bus system goes fare free to boost ridership

The three-year Zero-fare demonstration project is sponsored by 14 different community partners.

January 6, 2015

Montana bus system goes fare free to boost ridership — Mountain Line

1 min to read

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.

Topics:fare collection Mountain Line pilot program ridership growth Paratransit Management Motorcoach Bus

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