Senate President Spilka Celebrates Announcement of Strong Ridership Increase Across State RTAs
(Boston — 6/22/2026) Today, Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka celebrated the Healey-Driscoll Administration announcement of significant ridership growth across the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), driven in part by the expansion of fare free service on all fixed routes.
A recent report filed with the Massachusetts Legislature shows a strong correlation between sustained fare free service and increased ridership growth.
"Two years ago, we committed to make Regional Transit Authorities fare-free because we know that it saves people money, injects life into communities, and keeps our climate goals on track," said Senate President Spilka.
"Today's report confirms that commitment was the right one. Ridership has more than doubled, regional economies are benefiting, and families across Massachusetts are keeping more money in their pockets.
I look forward to seeing this policy continue to save people money, grow communities, and invigorate downtowns across Massachusetts.”
At the close of FY25, the RTAs had accumulated on average 229% and 218% of their fixed route and demand response targets, respectively. Starting in FY26, all RTAs were mandated to operate fare-free service. Data from this period provides additional insight into the long-term impacts of fare-free transit across Massachusetts.
For example, ridership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with fixed route ridership exceeding FY 2019 levels by 29.5%. Ridership has also more than doubled since FY2021, reflecting sustained growth across the system.
###