Public transportation is the lifeblood of many urban environments, providing an essential service to commuters, tourists, and anyone else getting around the city. Subways, buses, and trams typically require riders to pay a fare — but not always. Here’s a look at seven U.S. cities that offer complimentary forms of public transportation.
Tucson, Arizona
Sun Tran is the official public transit provider for Tucson, offering bus and streetcar service. The entire fleet is designed to burn cleaner fuels and be environmentally friendly, which is important considering that the buses cover more than 28,000 miles each day. Better yet, all Sun Tran vehicles are free to ride.
Sun Tran first introduced free service in 2020 amid the pandemic. Based on the success of the program, the city council declared in 2023 that Sun Tran would remain free for the foreseeable future, voting again in 2025 to reaffirm that choice. Riders can take Sun Tran to many popular attractions in Tucson, from the vibrant market district of San Augustin to basketball games at the University of Arizona.
Richmond, Virginia
In 2025, officials at the Greater Richmond Transit Company — which operates public transit in the Virginia capital — voted to keep its Zero Fare policy for another fiscal year. This decision was based on the overwhelming success of the city’s free fare program, especially for lower-income households. Richmond saw ridership reach a record high of 11 million passengers in 2024, with an estimated 74% of riders coming from households earning below $40,000 annually.
But the complimentary bus service isn’t merely a boon for locals — it makes Richmond easier to navigate for anyone who visits. These free buses service Richmond International Airport and many popular local attractions, including the downtown arts district. While the Zero Fare program will expire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026, many are hopeful that the service will be extended yet again.
Tampa, Florida
Since 2018, the TECO Line Streetcar has been 100% free to ride. Streetcars operate every 15 minutes beginning at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. on Sundays. The service ends at 11:00 p.m. on weeknights and 2:00 a.m. on weekends…