City Of Phoenix: Phoenix Distributing Free Transit Passes To Those Most In Need

Phoenix AZ

29 October, 2021

4:49 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Phoenix: October 28, 2021 12:10 PM Many Phoenix residents now have help with the cost of riding public transit - for both bus and light rail. Earlier this year, the Phoenix city council developed a strategic plan for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be received by the city of Phoenix. A component of that plan is to utilize $1 million for the purchase and distribution of transit passes to Phoenix residents to ensure that transit-dependent passengers can continue riding transit during these challenging times.   The Public Transit Department is working with other city of Phoenix departments as well as partner organizations to distribute the passes to communities that can benefit from use of these passes. Pass recipients are asked to fill out a short survey​ ab​​​out how they will utilize this assistance.   City staff, with the help of the Phoenix city council, identified more than 30 organizations that can assist with the distribution of these passes including (but not limit​​ed to) Phoenix Arizona@Work, Equality AZ, the Human Services Campus and others.  These organizations have existing programs in place to provide various types of assistance to those in need. And transit passes add to the benefits such programs already provide. Assisting with transportation costs will be beneficial for those individuals that may need temporary help to get back on their feet, go to work, school, medical appointments, and continue moving their life forward. This can make a positive impact across Phoenix communities who rely on public transit in their daily lives. See the attached list of agencies and programs​ the Public Transit Department has partnered with for the distribution of these passes.   News Media Contact: Brenda Yanez, 602-571-5895 About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:  The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through Transportation 2050 (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at phoenix.gov/publictransit or follow us on Twitter​ for the latest news.  ​​ Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: #PhoenixPublicTransit #FreeTransitPasses #COVID-19 #MobilityOptions #ARPAFunds #TransitAccessability #ValleyMetroRail #T2050 Keywords: ARPA Funds, Bus and Light Rail, Free Transit Passes, Transit Accessability, Phoenix Public Transit This press release was produced by City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author's own.