The No Free Rides Act of 2026 would prohibit public transit systems that receive federal funding from offering universal free fares to all riders. The bill specifically targets transit agencies receiving federal assistance under transportation programs, preventing them from eliminating fares entirely for the general public. However, the legislation allows transit systems to continue offering targeted free or reduced fares for specific groups like seniors, low-income riders, students, and employees covered by organizational agreements. The Secretary of Transportation may grant a waiver to allow universal free fares only if a transit system can prove it has identified a dedicated non-federal funding source to cover the costs. This measure would effectively require most major public transit systems to maintain fare collection from passengers, though targeted assistance programs for vulnerable populations would remain permitted.
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