The MTA allocated $15 million from the state's FY 2024 budget for the pilot program, aiming to run at least six months starting Sept. 24, 2023.
The program's goal was to study how fare-free service affects ridership, access, equity and fare evasion, but it ultimately did not meet success.
Interim President Demetrius Critchlow noted the unintended effect of the pilot program was an increase in fare evasion, negatively impacting the agency’s finances.
The pilot program was unsuccessful in converting drivers to use MTA services, resulting in a financial loss for the agency.
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