MOA Invites Input to Expand Free Transit Access for Seniors

The Anchorage Assembly voted (9-3) to amend the 2026 Municipal Operating Budget last month, investing $100,000 to expand free People Mover access for seniors 60 and older. Members of the public-especially seniors, caregivers, and transit riders-are invited to provide input to determine which weekday should be added next year as a second free-fare day for seniors.

"Public transit is essential infrastructure," said Assembly Member Daniel Volland, who chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee and sponsored the budget amendment with Assembly Members Erin Baldwin Day and George Martinez. "Expanding free transit service helps seniors reliably reach medical appointments, grocery stores, workplaces, and social activities without cost being a barrier."

Under current policy, seniors ride fare free on Wednesdays year-round. The budget amendment adds funding to designate one additional weekday as a free fare day, which may help reduce costs of the AnchorRIDES program. Seniors will have more opportunity to switch from paratransit to the bus when it's free, because it offers a cheaper, more flexible, and more independent way to travel without needing to schedule rides in advance.

Feedback from the community will inform implementation of the second fare-free day. The Public Transit Advisory Board (PTAB), a volunteer board working to contribute to the long-range planning of a balanced municipal public transit system, will gather input and forward a recommendation to the MOA Public Transportation Department.

"Adding a second fare-free day for seniors supports PTAB's call to expand free fares for riders," said Bart Rudolph, Director of the Public Transportation Department. The Assembly voted earlier this year to allow all youth to ride fare-free. "Removing fares takes away a real barrier to transportation for older adults and reflects what the community has consistently asked us to prioritize."

Options to Provide Testimony

The PTAB will hear public testimony on the free fare expansion during its upcoming meeting on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public may testify in person or virtually.

• Location: Anchorage City Hall, 632 W. 6th Ave., Room 155

• Participate Online: Members of the public may access the meeting online via Microsoft Teams at: https://ow.ly/EsVU50Xo8sC

• Participate Over the Phone:

• • Call-in Number: 907-519-0237​

  • Phone Conference ID: 498 673 636

• Submit Written Testimony: Residents who are unable to testify at the meeting may submit written comments to [email protected] by 2:00PM on December 11, 2025.
  

"I appreciate the Assembly members for bringing forward the budget amendment and working with my team to ensure this funding was included. Expanding free transit access for seniors is a direct quality of life investment that supports our efforts to ensure all residents can navigate our community with greater ease and affordability," said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. "I encourage all seniors and transit riders to give input to the Public Transit Advisory Board."​

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​CONTACT

Bart Rudolph | Director, MOA Public Transportation Department
[email protected]

Daniel Volland | Assembly Transportation Chair
District 1, North Anchorage
[email protected]

George Martinez | Assembly Member
District 5, East Anchorage
[email protected]

Erin Baldwin Day | Assembly Member
District 4, Midtown Anchorage
[email protected]​

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