A Republican bill with 6 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``No Free Rides Act of 2026'' aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It specifically seeks to prohibit recipients of assistance from implementing universal free fare policies on public transportation. This would prevent services from allowing all users to ride without paying a fare. However, the bill allows for targeted fare policies for specific groups. The Secretary of Transportation also has the authority to grant waivers under certain conditions.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill prevents the use of federal assistance to fund universal free transit, effectively limiting federal financial exposure to these policies.
- Scored +1
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill ensures that seniors can still be included in targeted free or reduced fare programs.
- Scored +1
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill preserves the ability for low-income riders to receive targeted free or reduced fare assistance.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The prohibition on universal free fares may reduce transit ridership and accessibility for the general public.
- Scored -2
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?
By prohibiting universal free transit, the bill may increase the overall cost of living and movement for those not qualifying for targeted exceptions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups: The bill allows for specific groups to still receive free or reduced charges, which can help those in need. This includes seniors, low-income riders, and students (Section 2, paragraph 2).
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Employer-Based Transportation: Certain groups can still ride for free if there is an agreement between an employer or organization and the transportation recipient (Section 2, paragraph 2, subparagraph D).
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Flexibility via Waivers: If a recipient can find a dedicated, non-Federal source of revenue to cover the costs, the Secretary of Transportation can waive the prohibition (Section 2, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Universal Free Access: Recipients of assistance are prohibited from providing a policy that allows all users to use the public transportation service without paying a fare (Section 2, paragraph 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill preserves the ability for low-income riders to receive targeted free or reduced fare assistance. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill ensures that seniors can still be included in targeted free or reduced fare programs. Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides an exception that allows students to continue receiving free or reduced fare policies.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The prohibition on universal free fares may reduce transit ridership and accessibility for the general public.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill prevents the use of federal assistance to fund universal free transit, effectively limiting federal financial exposure to these policies.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By prohibiting universal free transit, the bill may increase the overall cost of living and movement for those not qualifying for targeted exceptions.
- 3/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Chip RoyRepublican · Texas
Bryan SteilRepublican · Wisconsin