Press Release: Fare Free Initiative 11/29/24 - 9/30/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vineyard Transit Authority Announces Fare-Free Program Starting November 29, 2024, Through September 30, 2025

Edgartown, MA – The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) is excited to announce the return of their fare-free initiative that will make all VTA services entirely free for all riders from Friday, November 29, 2024, through Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This marks the third year of the program which began in 2022 and ran for about a month, and returned from Nov. 24 of 2023 to March 31, of 2024. This year the program has been expanded to last ten months, a significant increase that is aimed at increasing ridership, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting a greener, more sustainable Martha’s Vineyard. This initiative is made possible by a $30 million grant from the Massachusetts Fair Share Funding, which is dedicated to supporting public transit and public education initiatives statewide.
The VTA’s fare-free program aligns with its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing the island's carbon footprint. By encouraging more residents and visitors to use public transportation, the VTA aims to decrease the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to reduced emissions and cleaner air. The VTA has already made significant strides in fleet electrification, transitioning its fleet to all-electric buses, vans and service vehicles to ensure greater service reliability, lower maintenance and fuel costs, and a significant reduction in Green House Gas emissions. Additionally, the VTA has implemented charging infrastructure, as well as solar canopies for power generation, and in-ground inductive charging stations along the island’s bus routes.
Elaine Miller, VTA Board Chair, commented, “This fare-free initiative is a pivotal step in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable Martha’s Vineyard. By removing financial barriers to using public transit, we hope to encourage more residents and visitors to join us in making more eco-conscious choices, supporting our efforts to reduce emissions and protect our island’s environment.”
In addition to its environmental benefits, the fare-free program is expecting to reduce road congestion, especially during peak travel seasons. With the VTA’s growing fleet of electric buses, this initiative will not only make transit more appealing but will also contribute to quieter, cleaner streets across the island.
Angie Gompert, VTA Administrator, stated, “Eliminating fares will not only increase ridership but will also create a more seamless and efficient system. With passengers no longer needing to scan tickets or deposit money, we can reduce dwell times at stops, making the system faster and essentially allowing for more frequent rides.” By eliminating the cost of riding during the fare-free period, the VTA aims to make public transportation more accessible and more efficient for all.
Beginning November 29, 2024 no fares, passes, or tickets will be needed to ride the buses; riders can simply hop aboard and enjoy the ride. Riders who have recently purchased a 365-day
pass or other longer term passes can contact tickets@vineyardtransit.com to inquire about extending their passes upon the completion of the fare- free program.
About the VTA and
The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) provides year-round public transportation services across Martha’s Vineyard. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the VTA continues to be a leader in clean transit solutions, fostering a connected and environmentally friendly community.
For more information about the fare-free program and the VTA’s services, please visit www.vineyardtransit.com.