No Free Rides Act of 2026

This bill, known as the No Free Rides Act of 2026, would prohibit federal public transportation funding recipients from offering universal free fare policies that allow all riders to use transit services without paying. The law would still permit targeted fare policies that provide free or reduced-cost rides for specific groups such as seniors, low-income riders, students, or employees with employer-paid agreements. Additionally, the Secretary of Transportation could grant waivers if a transit agency can demonstrate a dedicated non-federal revenue source to support universal free fare programs. The measure directly affects public transportation agencies that receive federal assistance under Title 49 of the United States Code.