A pilot program just approved by the Albuquerque City Council will help those struggling to pay for transportation through a 12-month "zero fare pilot program."
The program will be federally funded, and the city councilors said they will keep the program going as long as it works and riders support it, according to KOB4.
"Albuquerque bus riders are more likely to be low income," Together 4 Brothers Founder Christopher Ramirez told the station. "Over 70% are at 150% of the federal poverty level and are more likely to be people of color – 80%." Together 4 Brothers advocates for the area's young men of color.
Baruch Compost, who says he himself grew up without a car and struggled to pay bus fare, will coordinate the program.
The program will go into effect no later than Jan. 1, 2022, according to the city documents. Voting on the pilot program was deferred until studies were conducted before the Albuquerque City Council ultimately approved it.
The current cost for a single ride is $1, or $2 for all day, according to The Paper. Some students 25 and younger receive free bus rides already, as well as those 60 and older, but the zero fare pilot will make bus rides free for everyone.