NO FARE PUBLIC TRANSIT: SEATTLE'S $64,000 QUESTION

A congested area of central Seattle is now the site of a no fare bus service experiment. The reaction to the project so far has been enthusiastic with greatly increased patronage on some routes. Data is now being collected on how increased usage has effected automobile use and pollution. The article also describes four types of no fare operations; total no fare, no fare for specific groups, no fare in special locations and examples of each in various cities. No fare transit is becoming increasing popular in light of the energy crisis. The cost of implementing such systems is compensated for by the social, economic and environmental benefits of increased public transit usage.