Fare Free Business Case Evaluation

In support of its mission to improve equitable access throughout the region, MVPC evaluated Merrimack Valley Transit’s Fare Free Program.

MeVa Fare Free Evaluation and Business Case

This evaluation accounts for the full picture of benefits, opportunities, and risks to the current Fare Free program within the context of MeVa’s mission (as defined by Merrimack Valley Transit’s Advisory Board).

Policymakers often pit ridership against operating costs to understand the value of transit, but these simple measures fail to capture the full span of benefits to riders and operational efficiency that free transit provides. Among many key takeaways, the evaluation found that:

• The quantifiable financial benefits of the fare-free program are over $2,000,000 annually, exceeding the amount previously collected from fares.
• More people are patronizing more businesses inthe Merrimack Valley, benefiting both tax revenueand job access.
• The time that it takes people to get on the bus hasbeen cut in half, reducing idling and allowing busesto run more efficiently.
• People report high satisfaction with bus service,increased access to medical care, and decreased social isolation.
• Ridership grew at a fast rate than MeVa’s service enhancements, suggesting the policy’s increased ridership cannot be explained by increased service alone.
• Because ridership increased following the initiation of the policy, per capita operating costs decreased.

I have questions. Who should I contact? Questions about the study should be relayed to MVPC at [email protected]. Other questions or needs related to existing bus operations should be directed to MeVa, which can be reached a [email protected] or (978) 496-6878. Riders and potential riders may also visit https://mvrta.com/ for more information about routes, schedules, and service.