SRTA’s first full year of fare-free bus service has been successful, according to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, with significant increases in ridership and better on-time service — and a majority of people polled approve.  

A new report released today from the MBPC, a statewide think tank, looked at data from the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority since SRTA first stopped collecting fares on Jan. 1, 2024.  

According to the numbers, the number of people riding SRTA buses grew 56.5% from July to November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.  

Ridership also increased significantly compared to other nearby regional bus systems that continued to charge fares. Moreover, buses kept on schedule more often, since drivers didn't have to wait for riders to pay before sitting.

Read more at heraldnews.com.