Free Fairfax Connector Rides For More Children Proposed In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A proposal to eliminate Fairfax Connector fares for more children could potentially make all Fairfax County children under 18 eligible for free fares.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is proposing changes to its youth fare policy that would eliminate fares for children aged 5 to 11 with a paying adult.

According to department spokesperson Robin Geiger, free fares are already available for children under 5 with a paying adult. Students aged 12 to 18 at Fairfax County middle and high schools can receive a Free Student Bus Pass through their school guidance counselors. A free Metrobus program is also available to students at select high schools.

The potential expansion of free fares to more children is part of a larger discussion on free fares. Last year, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a board matter seeking analysis on the pros and cons of a fare-free Fairfax Connector bus system.

Along with free fares for some youth, existing fare incentives on Fairfax Connector include a half-fare discount for seniors and people with disabilities and tree transfers to and from Metrobus and Metrorail.

A Transit Ridership Incentive Program offering a half-fare discount to low-income riders is preparing to launch. According to Geiger, final details are being worked out for an estimated launch later in February or early March. There are three years of funding available for the program.

Analysis on a fare-free bus system was presented to the board's transportation committee in December. Pros outlined by staff included supporting the One Fairfax policy with more equitable access for residents with limited income, increased ridership, eliminating fare collection costs, farebox capital program costs and fare disputes, and potential decreases in bus dwell time.

Cons shared by staff included loss of ridership revenue, inequitable benefit for residents with only Metrobus access, loss of farebox data on riders, potentially more security incidents from non-destination riders, benefits to riders who can afford the fare or have benefits through an employer and a potential Title VI Civil Rights concern from free fares for non-disadvantaged riders.

The recommendation to the board's transportation committee called for keeping existing free fare programs, piloting the Transit Ridership Incentive Program, and eliminating fares for children 5 to 11 with a paying adult.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a virtual meeting on the proposed free fares for ages 5 to 11 on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. A presentation will be followed by a chance to ask questions and offer feedback. The meeting will be recorded and posted at www.fairfaxconnector.com.

The meeting is available through Microsoft Teams or by phone at 571-429-5982 with conference ID 295202444#.