Support Fare-Free Transit for the Capital District!

We, the undersigned, call on Albany and New York State leaders to support a fare-free transit initiative and allocate $20 million in funding to launch a pilot program with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).

Transportation is a crucial lifeline for many in our community, especially low-income families, workers, youth, and disabled individuals who depend on public transit to access jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services. In Albany, public transit commuters face severe financial challenges:

Annual Median Income: $14,804
Living in Poverty: 30.1%
Black or Latino Commuters: 63%
A fare-free transit system would provide immediate relief to those most financially unstable, including disabled community members, by eliminating transportation costs. This initiative would reduce the financial burden on struggling households, allowing families to invest more in their future and well-being. Workers will benefit by keeping more of their earnings, and the $20 million investment would stay in Albany’s economy, circulating among local businesses and families.

Similar programs in other cities have successfully reduced the cost burden on low-income and disabled individuals while boosting ridership, reducing congestion, and lowering carbon emissions. By launching a fare-free bus pilot in Albany, we can promote economic justice, environmental sustainability, and improved mobility for everyone in our community.

We urge our county and state leaders to allocate the $20 million needed to start this transformative program, which will uplift our community, improve access to opportunity, and help families invest in their futures.

By signing this petition you join us in advocating for fare-free transit!

Michael Cleary

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