LSA letter of support for keeping ALL transit fare-free
On March 5th Tucson Mayor & Council are considering a recommendation by City staff to reinstate fares for Sun Link (streetcar) and Sun Express transit services. Living Streets Alliance stands firmly behind keeping ALL transit fare-free. The following is a letter sent to Tucson Mayor & City Council on March 5th, 2024, voicing our concerns and position:
Honorable Mayor Romero and City Councilmembers,
Living Streets Alliance continues to stand in support of the Mayor and Council’s action of May 23, 2023 that transit services continue to be fare-free and recommends that this policy remain in place in consideration of the benefit it provides the entire community. Additionally, LSA asks that you resist the urge to consider each group of transit users separately and support this policy that highlights how transit services are incredibly beneficial to many different people regardless of who they are.
When Tucson embarked on fare free transit, it was to address the economic needs of those hurt economically by the effects of the pandemic. The economic barrier of mobility weighed heavily as joblessness and consequently the housing challenge grew. Although we have entered a “post COVID” world, the economic burdens have not left us. The cost of living has risen dramatically in many areas and proportionally greater for those earning less in our society. A city's transit system should mobilize its population and provide—much like roads and sidewalks—an interconnected system for people using it to access everything from basic necessities to all other aspects required to live one’s life with dignity and safety.
Low-income people disproportionately rely on public transit, therefore there is an embedded social equity concern with the proposal to revert to fare collection. Moreover, charging fares on what is referred to as “premium” transit services will create a two-tiered system, sending a message that these services are for those who can pay. Calling these services “premium”—despite Sun Link’s unpredictable delays and long travel times—and charging fares implies that the regular bus service is considered “lower quality.” Instead, we invite you to shift your attention to providing high quality services, whether bus or rail, to all Tucsonans and direct staff to further explore funding sources to create a fast, reliable, and fare-free transit network.
Reinstating fares raises various additional concerns on a practical level. For example, if fare collection is coupled with fare enforcement, there would be heightened concerns about racial disparities associated with enforcement practices as well as discriminatory treatment towards individuals with other marginalized identities. Requiring fares on Sun Link would also roll us back to the problematic streetcar fare kiosk setup where only day passes could be purchased even for passengers desiring to use the service for a single trip. It could also bring back the confusion that was initially a common experience among transit riders about how transit passes worked on different transit services, adding to the stress of community members who are already experiencing major transportation barriers and burdens.
For all the reasons stated above, and as a step towards solidifying Tucson’s commitment to climate action and equitable mobility, we urge you to keep all transit fare-free and refrain from reintroducing a financial burden for Tucsonans who need to access jobs, schools, doctor's appointments and other essential services.
Tucson is a national role model because of your bold leadership on this issue last year. We thank you for your vision and ongoing commitment to creating a transit system that Tucsonans can count on and be proud of.