Petaluma Transit Begins Free Rides For All

PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma Transit this week became the Bay Area's first transit agency to offer free rides to all, kicking off a one-year pilot program designed to boost ridership and remove financial hurdles.

As of Monday, transit riders can "show up and go," without needing tickets, passes, or cash to take buses and paratransit service. The move away from fares builds on earlier programs at Petaluma Transit, including free rides for K-12 students, which officials said grew youth ridership by 35 percent.

"Making public transit fare-free hit several big Petaluma goals: Climate, equity and mobility," said Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell. "When people switch their mode of transportation from single-car occupancy vehicles to bikes, walking, or public transportation traffic congestion and pollution are reduced and air quality improves. By making public transit fare-free, we are creating thriving communities and a better future for our families."

Petaluam's fare-free program is just the second of its kind in California and the first to roll out in the Bay Area. The initiative is funded through various sources, including Sonoma County Resilience Funds, the Transportation Authority GO Sonoma Fund, and the city's general fund.

The pilot will run for a year, with the option to extend the program further.

Learn more about fare-free trips on the Petaluma Transit website.