A new pilot project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will introduce free fare on Brooklyn’s B60 bus route beginning this fall.
The MTA Free Fare pilot project will see one fare-free bus route added to each New York City borough for a period of six months to a year.
"By establishing these fare-free bus pilot routes, we are expanding access to public transportation across the city and improving transit equity to better serve all New Yorkers,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul, who announced the pilot project on July 17.
The five selected routes are expected to collectively serve 43,900 weekday riders by late September.
"Our team worked hard to ensure the five routes that were chosen for this pilot will benefit New Yorkers who rely on buses to get them where they need to go," said Richard Davey, president of New York City Transit.
B60
Brooklyn's B60 bus route operates between Williams Avenue, Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie and Williamsburg Bridge Plaza.
The route primarily runs along Rockaway Avenue and Wilson Avenue and serves the Canarsie, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Bushwick and Williamsburg neighborhoods. It will make connections to the 3, C, L, G, J, M, Z trains and several other bus routes.
Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhul.
The City's other fare-free buses will be the Bx18 A/B, the M116, the Q4 LCL/LTD and the S46/96.
Routes were chosen based on a variety of factors, including:
- Ridership
- Fare evasion
- Service adequacy
- Equity for low-income
- Economically disadvantaged communities
- Access to employment
- Commercial activity
"This pilot program for free ridership on the B60 will give our local residents some financial relief as expenses continue to skyrocket on everything from groceries to services,” said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. “I am hopeful that this pilot program can become permanent for seniors and low income members of my district, who might need to use the B60 for short trips in and around the district.”
Buses on routes included in the program will be clearly marked with green and black destination signage, digital signage, decals inside the bus and covers on farebox and OMNY readers.
The pilot will not include free transfers to other buses or subway lines.
"The B60 bus is a vital lifeline for many of the communities I am privileged to represent in Canarsie, Brownsville and Ocean Hill. Creating affordable access to transportation is a major step in the push to lower costs, provide good-paying jobs and expand economic opportunity across our city and state. I applaud governor Hochul and the MTA for bringing this pilot program to life,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
The free fare initiative comes on the heels of previously announced transit initiatives, including a weekend service increase on the G, J and M lines, and a second R211 train, which was put in service on the A line last month.
The recent transit enhancements have been made possible by a $35 million contribution from the FY 2024 Budget. For additional information, click here.
