Poll: Fare-free SRTA pilot off to strong start on South Coast
Two-thirds of South Coast residents support extending free buses past June.
Fare-free buses top a list of potential SRTA improvements residents would want to see.
It’s only been a few months since the Southeast Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) began piloting fare-free transit service, but South Coast residents seem to like what they are seeing. Two-thirds of residents support continuing fare free service after the pilot ends in June. And fare-free buses top residents’ wish list of the SRTA improvements, followed by service to new MBTA commuter rail stations coming to the region, expanding service and continuing weekend service.
That’s according to a new survey of 500 residents of the 10 communities served by the Southeast Regional Transit Authority conducted by The MassINC Polling Group with input from the Coalition for Social Justice. The survey was sponsored by The Barr Foundation.
"Transportation poses a substantial financial burden for families, particularly those with limited means and access to transportation who depend on SRTA for essential journeys to work, school, medical facilities, and shopping," Said Sabrina Davis, Transit and Environmental Justice Coordinator of the Coalition for Social Justice. "We've seen similar programs across the state have long-term success in rebounding ridership, expanding service and reliability. We hope SRTA extends this crucial program that has been a lifeline for so many riders."
The two-thirds support for fare-free buses includes 45% of residents who strongly support continuing the policy after the initial pilot period. Majorities at least somewhat support fare-free buses across every demographic with the exception of Republicans (49%). Majorities of Democrats (69%), residents making less than $50,000 (61%), and New Bedford residents (58%) strongly support the policy.
“This initiative has not only enhanced mobility for our residents but also alleviated financial burdens, particularly for those who rely on public transportation as their primary means of getting around. By making transportation more accessible, we are empowering our community members to access essential services, employment opportunities, and recreational activities,” said Shane Burgo, New Bedford Councilor at Large. “I commend SRTA for their commitment to improving the quality of life in our city and hope this successful program will continue.”
To help pay for free fares, three-fifths (60%) of residents support tapping into the newly created surtax on incomes over $1 million to fund SRTA and other RTAs serving the state, including 41% who strongly support that funding source.
These high levels of support are despite the fact that the vast majority (87%) of residents surveyed report “never” riding SRTA. Their support for fare-free buses stems from their concern for lower-income residents and those who do not have access to a vehicle. As one resident surveyed put it: “I may not use SRTA, but I think it's an important resource for the community, will help out those on lower incomes or who are unable to drive, and promote the use of public transport over personal vehicles which is beneficial for climate change.”
Those who do ride SRTA report using the bus for health care appointments (46%), shopping or errands (40%) and going out for nightlife or to visit friends and family (24% each). Among those who have ridden SRTA since the fare-free pilot, 56% say they will ride less or stop riding if fares return. “It makes a big difference because I'm on a fixed income, and that means that money can be used for food, utilities,” said one respondent of the new free fares.
“It would be extremely beneficial to my constituents for free bus fare and Sunday service to continue,” Said Linda Perreira, Vice-President of the Fall River City Council. “Many of my constituents have availed themselves to this service, which gives them the freedom to travel.”
Both these results largely track with a poll released earlier this year of residents in the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) region. The WRTA board recently voted to extend fare-free service for a 5th year.
About the poll
These results are based on a survey of 500 residents of the 10 towns with bus service from the SRTA. Responses were collected by text invitation into an online survey and by live interviews via landline and cell phones March 21 – 26, 2024. Results were weighted by race, age and gender, education, party identification, and geography to reflect known and estimated population parameters for the adult population of these towns. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 4.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, inclusive of the design effect. This project was conducted by The MassINC Polling Group with input from the Coalition for Social Justice and sponsored by The Barr Foundation.
About the Coalition for Social Justice / Bus Riders United
The Coalition for Social Justice is a grassroots organization that has been organizing and building people power in Southeastern Massachusetts for over 20 years. They play a leading role on winning campaigns that affect struggling families including sick time for workers, $15 minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and the Fair Share Amendment. Bus Riders United has been organizing to increase transparency, affordability and service at the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority for over a decade.
About The MassINC Polling Group: The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public's voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.