Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) in introducing the No Free Rides Act to address fare issues in transit systems across the country. The No Free Rides Act ensures local transit agencies enforce fare collection.
This action follows investigative reporting that revealed Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) enacted a policy instructing drivers to not request bus fares from passengers. This policy contributed to a loss of $4 million in fare evasion and contributed to MCTS’s $10 million operating deficit. Under the bill, local transit agencies can adjust fare policies to meet new federal grant requirements.
“Federal funds are intended to strengthen and sustain public transportation, not give free rides to people who cheat the system,” said Steil. “Whether it’s refusing to simply request fare from riders, or eliminating fares entirely, these policies not only push local transit agencies like MCTS toward insolvency, but are fundamentally unfair to the hardworking families who rely on public transportation, follow the rules, and pay their fares.”
Read the bill HERE.
Background:
- Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10) in introducing the No Free Rides Act.
- This legislation prohibits local transit agencies from receiving federal funds if they implement universal fare free policies.
- The bill allows exceptions for targeted fare policies including free or reduced fares for seniors, low-income riders, students, and other ridership groups.
- In June, MCTS indicated that the system had a $10.9 million deficit due to “unexpected expenses and lower passenger revenue.” Despite this shortfall, MCTS indicates that ridership has actually grown in recent years.
- MCTS lost approximately $4 million in revenue due to fare evasion in 2024. Reporting estimates that MCTS is on track to allow more than 8 million riders to avoid paying fares this year, a total of more than $10 million in lost revenue.
- Concerns about the solvency of MCTS have been documented by policy reports dating back to 2008 and more recently in 2023.
- Recent reporting demonstrates MCTS officials kept “top county leadership in the dark” regarding the MCTS deficit crisis.
- Rep. Steil previously wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and to Federal Transit Administration Administrator Mark Molinaro regarding the ongoing issues with MCTS.
