• December 27th, 2024
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One year into its ambitious pilot, the City of Philadelphia's Zero Fare program has shown strong results, recording over 4.3 million trips across SEPTA's network, primarily during peak weekday travel windows. Nearly 90% of these trips are via bus and subway.

Launched in August 2023, the program aimed to assess how free public transportation would impact residents with lower incomes. Over 24,000 riders have received Zero Fare Key cards and around 64% are actively using the SEPTA system. "The Zero Fare program is already having 'a huge impact' on the lives of Philadelphians and 'has been a life-changing program' for many residents," said Nicola Mammes, Director of Zero Fare.

An analysis of the program reveals that more than half the participants are women, and a similar proportion identify as Black, African American, or of African descent. Participants mainly fall between the ages 25-45, with the largest group being those aged 25-35.

Source: Hoodline Philadelphia