MeVa Transit Goes 100% Fare-Free!

As Newbury's Planning Director, I'm proud to be a member of the Merrimack Valley Transit ("MeVa") Advisory Board, representing Newbury. Today, I am feeling especially proud! In a historic decision on February 6, 2025, the MeVa advisory board voted 15-0, with one abstention, to adopt a permanent fare-free policy! As a result, MeVa is the first transit authority in Massachusetts to do so. This is incredible news for the Merrimack Valley and the people who use the bus service to access all that life has to offer. 

This vote was made after reviewing the results of a business case analysis of the fare-free program completed by MVPC and Stantec, a program that has been in place as a pilot since 2022. The report studied the impact the fare-free policy has had on the region. Spoiler alert – it’s been a resounding success! Since transportation is the key to everything, the positive impact of fare-free buses has broad reaching impact across all sectors, across the region. For more information about the multitude of operational, environmental, and social benefits, view the Fare free Analysis Report here. 

Did you know that the colorful, clean MeVa buses go all over the Merrimack Valley? View MEVa routes here and try it out! For more information about this program, view news stories such as on WBUR and GBH and The Eagle-Tribune.