Since March 2020, residents in the city of Tucson have been able to ride for free on the region’s extensive network of buses and streetcars. Community reliance on fare-free public transit has only continued to grow since then, along with a groundswell of support across local businesses, organizations, non-profits, and grassroots groups.

Opponents have recently tried to frame fare-free transit as a cause of crime and lobbied the city to reconsider their unanimous decision in May 2023 to keep transit fare-free indefinitely. We believe that it's important to keep our transit affordable to those who need it most while we improve its safety, and believe that decisions about its future should be led by our community first.

Please support our efforts by signing the petition below and consider joining the Transit for All Coalition.

Every day we see the benefit of free transit for our community, and how much it eases the daily stress of people who struggle with the cost of transportation. By supporting fare-free transit, you are making mobility accessible and also making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, easing our dependence on cars, and moving us toward environmental sustainability.

The skyrocketing cost of housing is stressing the finances of many households to the breaking point. Combined with rising food costs, increasing transportation costs will limit access to critical resources for those who need them the most. In addition, for those who do have their own transportation, free public transit incentivizes people to leave their cars at home, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and reducing carbon emissions.

Keeping public transportation free is not only essential for the well-being of low-income individuals but also for that of our entire community. A zero-fare transit system removes barriers for people to get to work, services, and classes, thus increasing their employability. When people are employed, they pay more taxes and are less reliant on social services. The investment of zero-fare transit ends up having long-term benefits for us all. It is a major step toward equitably shared prosperity.

Tucson is at the forefront of efforts across the nation to provide free, reliable, and safe public transit and should continue to embrace this leadership role with pride.