Program Offers Free Bus Fare For The Next Three Years in Missoula, MT

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Residents living in Missoula, particularly those who ride the bus, can expect to save some extra dollars over the next three years thanks to a new initiative which will provide free bus fares to the community.

According a news article from the Missoulian, the zero-fare riding initiative will save some riders up to $520 year.

Over the next three years the zero-fare service along with phase 2 improvements are expected to increase ridership in the community by up to 45%.

Although riders will not have to pay for bus services, this initiative could not have been made possible without the support of 14 different community partners who pitched in $460,000 in sponsorship money.

“A fare, no matter how small, is a barrier for some folks that keeps them from riding the bus,” said Missoula Mayor John Engen, in the Missoulian. “Breaking down barriers to public transportation means we all pay less in the long run, that our air is cleaner, our roads suffer a little less wear and tear, traffic is tempered and, most importantly, all of our citizens have access to safe, efficient transportation.”

Initiatives like this can also help get more people to be active, which is especially important among minority groups who are more likely to be sedentary.

Read more about this here.  Find more info on the Zero Fare program here.

Learn more about what works to improve physical activity standards in Latino communities here.