MTA to begin fare free bus pilot on five routes in September

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin its fare free bus pilot on five routes, one in each borough, by late September for a period of six to 12 months. Routes were selected based on a variety of factors, including ridership, fare evasion, service adequacy, equity for low-income and economically disadvantaged communities and access to employment and commercial activity.

"The MTA is the lifeblood of New York City, and I'm proud of the tremendous progress we've made in returning ridership to pre-pandemic levels," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "By establishing these fare free bus pilot routes, we are expanding access to public transportation across the city and improving transit equity to better serve all New Yorkers."

The fare free bus pilot comes weeks after the first phase of weekend service increases on the G, J and M lines. MTA says the enhancements were made possible by a $35 million contribution from the Fiscal Year 2024 New York State Budget to increase subway service. The multi-phase approach will increase service across several train lines during weekday midday, weeknights and weekends, and the second phase will begin next month, where additional midday and weekend service will be added. In addition to the increased service, a second R211 train was put in service on the A Line last month.

“We have championed innovation and creative thinking across the transportation network and look forward to seeing how New Yorkers respond to this pilot program. I want to thank Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature for providing funding that makes it possible to launch this limited experiment,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.

MTA notes buses on routes included in the pilot program will be marked "Fare Free" with green and black destination signage, digital signage onboard buses, decals inside the bus and covers on farebox and OMNY readers. The pilot will not include free transfers to other buses or subway lines.

The bus routes included in the six to 12-month pilot are:

• Bx18 A/B: Operating daily during daytime hours between Undercliff Avenue or Sedgwick Avenue and Grand Concourse/East 170 St., the Bx18 A/B bus route travels along Macombs Road, Tremont Avenue, Undercliff Avenue/Sedgwick Avenue, 168 St. and 170 St. It serves Morris Heights, Highbridge and Mount Eden neighborhoods and connects to the 4, B and D trains and several other bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center and Bronx Community College.
• B60: The B60 bus route operates between Williams Avenue/Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie and Williamsburg Bridge Plaza. The route operates primarily along Rockaway Avenue and Wilson Avenue and serves the Canarsie, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Bushwick and Williamsburg neighborhoods. It makes connections to the 3, C, L, G, J, M and Z trains and several other bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhul.
•  M116: This bus route operates daily during daytime hours between West 106 St. /Broadway and East 120 St./Pleasant Avenue. The route primarily operates along 116 St., Manhattan Avenue and West 106 St. and serves the Harlem, East Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. The route makes connections to the 1, 2, 3, G, B and C trains and several bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University and the East River Plaza Mall.
• Q4 LCL/LTD: The Q4 LCL/LTD bus route operates between the Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer E, J and Z subway station and Linden Boulevard/235 St. Some buses operate as limited-stop during morning and afternoon rush hours on weekdays. The route primarily operates on Linden Boulevard, Merrick Boulevard and Archer Avenue and serves the Jamaica Center, South Jamaica, St. Albans and Cambria Heights neighborhoods. It makes connections to the E, J, and Z trains, the St. Albans Long Island Rail Road station and several bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Jamaica Center, York College and the St. Albans VA Hospital.
• S46/96: Operating between South Avenue, West Shore Plaza Shopping Center and the St. George Ferry Terminal, the S46 local route always operates and the S96 Limited route operates on weekdays only in the peak period and peak direction. The route primarily operates along Castleton Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Walker Street/Brabant Street and South Avenue. It serves the St. George, Tompkinsville, West New Brighton, Port Richmond, Elm Park, Arlington, Bloomfield and Chelsea neighborhoods and makes connections to the SIR and Staten Island Ferry. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include the NY Empire Outlets, Richmond University Medical Center, West Shore Plaza and the Forest Promenade Shopping Plaza.

"Our team worked hard to ensure the five routes that were chosen for this pilot will benefit New Yorkers who rely on buses to get them where they need to go. I want to thank Gov. Hochul for her leadership and ensuring mass transit remains a safe and affordable option for the millions of riders who use it,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey.

"Prioritizing accessibility and affordability for transit riders is critical as many of our residents and families continue to experience financial hardship. By implementing the MTA's Fare Free Bus Routes pilot program, the MTA is demonstrating its commitment to transit equity,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.