Public Transit for the Public Good!

DSA-LB is organizing a mass coalition of transit riders and local organizations to demand a fare-free bus system in Long Beach by the 2028 Olympics. Fare Free Long Beach Transit’s goal is to eliminate fare collection on all LBT buses.

We believe the bus to be an example of a universal public good, available to all regardless of ability to pay because it makes our city stronger and the lives of working people better. We are fighting to ensure free and efficient mobility options, support the reduction of carbon emissions, and increase the engagement and power of the residents in our city.

1. Fares don’t fund transit.

Only 7% of the total revenue for LBT is generated through fare collection, much of which goes back into enforcing fares through security services and technology. Getting rid of this cycle of money spent alone would make the system more efficient. Other sources of revenue, such as sales tax, land value taxes, or business licenses, are much more sustainable means of funding transit and, in some cases, have a direct correlation to value added by public transit meaning the investment in public goods is returned to the public rather than private interests. In addition, LB residents using the bus are paying twice for their transportation with fare collection because the bulk of the funding comes through state, county, and local taxes. 

2. Fare-free transit means faster, more reliable buses.

LBT’s 2025 Rider Survey revealed that speed and reliability were two of the main concerns for regular transit riders. By eliminating fares, LBT can implement all door boarding to reduce “dwell times” at stops. On average, fare free systems saw a drop of 3 seconds per customer which would equal 15,417 hours saved per year waiting at bus stops, making the system more efficient. Agencies actually tend to expand service in the wake of fare free programs due to increased ridership and interest.

3. Fare-free makes buses safer, more attractive and more equitable.

Getting rid of fares has increased ridership in every place that it’s been tried. This popularity brings new riders onto the system and builds broader support for public transit. 

Racial, gender and economic equity gains are significant from fare-free programs. Women tend to ride the bus more when provided free access. Black and Latino workers tend to see greater improvements in employment. Fare-free eliminates enforcement that can lead to overpolicing of racial and ethnic minorities, who are more likely to be transit dependent. One study concluded that “eliminating transit fares yields social welfare returns in the first two years that likely exceed the fiscal cost of the policy.” 

More riders tends to correlate with fewer incidents on transit due to riders’ shared vigilance and ability to intervene. In addition, the FTA identified fare disputes as the primary reason for altercations with operators on buses followed by disputes over travel delays. Operators in Kansas City saw an 85% decrease in passengers-related incidents after eliminating fares, and passengers saw a 17% decrease in on-board security incidents overall. 

4. Fare-free benefits the entire Long Beach community.

Free public transit has shown to decrease unemployment and improve economic outcomes, especially among low-income and minority workers, reducing economic inequality. Housing density and the desirability of housing are also linked to proximity to public transit. Reduced car traffic limits the wear and tear on our crumbling public infrastructure. 

Access to public transportation also has positive health outcomes in the form of increased air quality, greater access to medical care, fewer traffic fatalities, greater social connection particularly among older adults and those with disabilities tied to mental health improvements, and greater “affordability” because the cost-burden can be shifted away from transportation towards other essential goods.

5. These benefits only come from a universal, fare-free system.

The popularity of fare-free buses comes from the appeal of a free, public good. There is no knowledge or fee required to use it. You just hop on board. A 2025 study showed that the “mental transaction cost” of having to pay any fare at all, even when subsidized to nearly nothing, kept people from using transit regularly whereas those provided free fare increased use of public transit by nearly double prior to the program. 

Increasing means-tested subsidies, eliminating fares on certain lines or at certain times, or providing free transfers can help reduce the cost burden and alleviate some of the delays incurred via bus travel, but they don’t actually produce a better system. 

By leaving fares intact in any capacity, LBT still needs to maintain enforcement, pay for fare collection infrastructure, and limit speed improvements. The service benefits and equity gains only come from making sure the buses are completely fare-free.

Sign on to support the campaign for universal, free buses today!