Stepping onto a Vineyard Transit Authority bus won’t cost you a dime for almost all of 2025, thanks to a $1.8 million grant from the state. 

The Island bus service was one of 13 transit organizations statewide Thursday that received money from the Healey administration, helping build on free fare programs done in the off season for the past two years.

With the extra funding, service aboard the buses will be free from Nov. 29 to Sept. 30, 2025. The goal of the grants is to increase ridership, reduce congestion and support a greener way of transportation.

“This fare-free initiative is a pivotal step in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable Martha’s Vineyard,” said Elaine Miller, chair of the VTA board. “By removing financial barriers to using public transit, we hope to encourage more residents and visitors to join us in making more eco-conscious choices, supporting our efforts to reduce emissions and protect our Island’s environment.”

In addition to the environmental benefits, the free fares will also ease the running of the buses, while also making it more accessible. 

“Eliminating fares will not only increase ridership but will also create a more seamless and efficient system,” said Angie Gompert, the VTA administrator. “With passengers no longer needing to scan tickets or deposit money, we can reduce dwell times at stops, making the system faster and essentially allowing for more frequent rides.” 

The VTA saw rising ridership in the last fiscal year, according to data provided by the authority. Between July 2023 and June 2024 about a million people rode the 13 different bus lines around the Island. That’s about 157,000 more riders than the previous year. 

Once the new free-fare program starts, people can simply board buses with no fares, passes or tickets needed. Riders who recently purchased a 365-day pass or other long-term passes can contact the transit authority to inquire about extending the passes until after the fare-free program ends.