Shei: Keep WRTA buses fare-free

Full and original article posted on Telegram.com

In the coming weeks, starting with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Advisory Board Audit and Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, the advisory board has an opportunity to continue this RTA’s leading role in providing fare-free transportation.

Since March 2020, the WRTA has suspended the collection of bus fares, enabling residents of this region to access transportation to essential jobs and services without worrying about the cost of bus fare. While most other transit agencies have resumed fare collection since an initial pause at the start of the pandemic for public health and safety reasons, the WRTA Advisory Board has approved the suspension of fares several times since March 2020, leveraging available federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding to replace lost fare revenue. The current suspension of fares ends June 30.

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