The Durham city manager's proposed budget would keep GoDurham buses fare-free for at least another year.
It's one of several city council priorities the budget continues without raising the property tax rate.
Why it matters: Durham is one of the last fare-free transit systems in North Carolina, with city leaders using a mixture of federal COVID-relief funds and local transit money to keep it free for riders.
Chapel Hill Transit is free because of a funding partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill.
Zoom in: Several Durham City Council members and local advocates have made preserving free bus service a priority — both as a benefit for low-income residents and as a way to encourage car-free travel.
State of play: But Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson warned that conversations about the program's long-term sustainability are needed.
Staying fare-free is possible due to a one-time contribution of $8.2 million from Durham County and GoTriangle, he said.
"The long-term sustainability of fare-free transit will require serious discussions among all of the funding partners, and we look forward to that work in the coming year," he told the Durham City Council.
