The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) will be extending its free bus ride program, thanks to funds appropriated by the state legislature.

VTA Administrator Angie Gompert said the agency has the funds to continue the ‘fare free’ program, which eliminated fares for all VTA services last November, through at least April 2026. The VTA has submitted a grant application to fund the program through September 2026.

“It’s good news all around,” Ms. Gompert said.

Ms. Gompert said ridership soared this year, which she attributed to a combination of the fare free program and tourism for the Jaws anniversary. In June and July, ridership was up roughly 40 per cent, while August saw a nearly 60 per cent increase in ridership. She also noted that eight out of nine months saw ridership increases so far this year.

“I think fare free had a huge part to do with that, for sure,” she said.

Ms. Gompert said public transit is a key way to reduce traffic congestion on the Island, and she hopes that keeping bus services cost-free will get more cars off the road. She also said that fare free ridership reduces dwell times at bus stops because drivers don’t need to spend time taking payment, leading to more efficient bus routes and pleasant experiences for passengers.

“When the line for the bus is long and hot and it’s taking a long time to load, we lose people,” she said.

Ms. Gompert understands that public transit can be intimidating, especially for people who didn’t grow up using it. She emphasized that the VTA offers training on how to use the bus system for those in need of guidance.

She hopes the fare free program will encourage more people to travel the Island by bus, whether they are year-round Islanders or visiting for the weekend.

“If there’s ever a time for folks to try transit, now’s the time,” she said.