ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque’s public transit system won’t charge fares for riding buses during a 12-month experiment starting Jan. 1.
City Council voted Monday night to approve the pilot program after previously deferring the vote several times.
The council approved funding for the long-discussed project several months ago by setting aside $3 million to offset revenue laws, but several members recently had concerns about security on buses once fares aren’t required.
The council voted 8-0 after being briefed by officials from the Department of Municipal Development’s security division.
Supporters of the no-fare program said it will help low-income people who rely on the bus system to get around.
