Freedom to Move Act Proposes $5 Billion Annual Grants to Fund Fare-Free Public Transit

The Freedom to Move Act aims to tackle rising transportation costs and access issues head-on by creating a new, massive federal grant program designed to eliminate fares on public transit systems nationwide. Essentially, the bill sets up the "Freedom to Move Grants," authorizing $5 billion annually from 2026 through 2030 to cover the revenue transit agencies lose by going fare-free and to pay for system upgrades.

This isn't just about handing out cash; it’s about demanding changes. To get this five-year funding, states, counties, and local transit agencies must apply competitively and show a detailed plan for how they will redesign their bus networks to prioritize reliable service in low-income and historically underserved neighborhoods (SEC. 4). They also have to prove they are engaging genuinely with community advocates and local leaders during the planning process, ensuring the changes actually meet local needs.

The Cost of Free: Who Benefits from the Redesign?

The core of this bill is an equity check. For people juggling multiple jobs or relying on public transit to get to essential services, eliminating the monthly pass fee is a huge win. For a low-income individual—defined here as someone whose family income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty line (SEC. 3)—this means hundreds of dollars back in their pocket annually, which is crucial when rent and groceries keep climbing.

But the bill goes further than just making the ride free. Agencies must analyze current mobility gaps, comparing how long it takes drivers versus non-drivers to commute, and then use the grant money to fix those gaps. This funding can be used for tangible improvements like making bus stops safer and more accessible, adding dedicated bus lanes, and installing signal priority systems that get buses through traffic faster. For someone living in an "underserved community"—a low-income, minority census tract with infrequent service (SEC. 3)—this means not just a free ride, but potentially a faster, more reliable commute, turning a two-bus, hour-long trek into a manageable daily trip.

Ditching the Criminalization of Fare Evasion

One of the most significant requirements for grant applicants addresses the criminalization of poverty. Agencies must review their current fare evasion policies—including fines and whether it’s treated as a civil or criminal offense—and report on the demographics of those charged. Crucially, they must explain how they plan to eliminate these policies and stop treating fare evasion as a crime (SEC. 4). This provision recognizes that the people most often penalized for not paying a $2 fare are often those who can least afford the ticket or the resulting fine, leading to unnecessary interactions with the justice system.

The Fine Print: Who’s Left Out?

While the bill is broad, it’s specific about what it doesn't cover. The definition of “public transportation” eligible for these grants specifically excludes Amtrak, intercity buses (like Greyhound), charter buses, and school buses (SEC. 3). So, while your local city bus might go fare-free, your regional commute or your kids’ ride to school won’t be subsidized under this program. Additionally, transit agencies, especially those that rely heavily on farebox revenue, will face a significant administrative lift to apply for and manage these grants, which is a potential hurdle for smaller operations. However, for those who successfully navigate the application process, the promise is substantial: five years of federal funding to both eliminate fares and fundamentally improve service equity.