If the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority had its way, it is likely that all metro and bus rides in the city would be free. LA Metro transports more than 9.6 million commuters daily, and countless people in America's most populous county depend on it to get them wherever they need to go. The Fareless System Initiative was set up as a pilot program to look into the cost-benefit analysis, feasibility, and challenges of a fare-free public transport system.
Metro CEO (at the time), Phil Washington, believed that the service had a moral obligation to pursue a fareless ride system-- especially after the catastrophic effects of the pandemic lockdowns led to thousands of the city's residents losing their jobs and struggling to pay rent and utility bills. Creating a permanent fareless system could help get L.A County back on its feet, and it would effectively change the life trajectory of thousands. This is particularly true of the disabled, the unemployed, students, and pensioners.
LA Metro said that according to a 2019 survey, the average household income of bus riders stood at around $17,975, and that of metro riders was $27,723. An annual metro pass, meanwhile, could cost $1200 per person. Any respite from the spiraling cost of living amid job loss and uncertainty would be a blessing to L.A's affected residents. Money they were able to save due to free transportation could be spent on other purposes, which would stimulate the local economy.
The question then arises - if commuters won't be paying for the ride, who will? Many of the questions posed by stakeholders, Metro employees, and riders themselves have already been answered. LA Metro has said that it would consider asking for state or federal grants, sponsorship, and advertising as ways to offset operating costs. It seems like a lot of companies would be interested in advertising on buses or trains, because it would put their products and services in front of millions of people per day. If rides were made free, the number of riders would increase, leading to a higher potential target market.
Free public transport should be no different from other tax-funded public programs such as the police force, firefighters, and all public infrastructure that contribute to the greater common good. Transportation is an important part of life and it should be provided free of charge.
