Bills · S 2478
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2478Transportation and Public Works
Freedom to Move Act
INTRO JUL 28· LAST ACTION JUL 28
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it tackles major issues like the high cost of living and unequal access to transportation. If it becomes law, it could dramatically reduce daily expenses for millions of Americans who rely on public transit, allowing them to save money on fares for other necessities. It would also push for better and more reliable transit services, especially in communities that have historically been overlooked, potentially connecting more people to jobs, education, and healthcare.
Without this bill, communities would continue to struggle with funding transit improvements and many would not be able to eliminate fares, meaning riders would still bear the cost. It would also miss an opportunity to address the criminalization of fare evasion, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The bill aims to create a more equitable and accessible transportation system, improving the quality of life for many residents.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Transportation to provide funding for eligible entities to implement fare-free public transportation services.
This creates a new federal funding mechanism specifically designed to eliminate transit fares, potentially making public transportation free for many communities.
PROVISION 02
Requires grant applicants to submit detailed plans for expanding and improving bus service, with a focus on prioritizing consistent and reliable service for low-income and historically underserved communities.
This ensures that the program not only removes fares but also leads to tangible improvements in transit quality and equity, serving communities most in need.
PROVISION 03
Mandates applicants to describe their current fare evasion enforcement policies and outline how they plan to eliminate these policies, ending the criminalization of individuals who evade fares.
This provision aims to decriminalize a minor offense that often disproportionately impacts low-income individuals and minorities, promoting a more equitable and less punitive transit environment.
PROVISION 04
Defines "eligible entities" broadly to include states, counties, local municipalities, transit agencies, and private nonprofit organizations in rural areas, as well as partnerships among them.
This wide eligibility ensures that a diverse range of communities, including those in rural settings, can apply for funds to establish fare-free transit.
PROVISION 05
Specifies that grants will be awarded for a 5-year period and must be distributed to eligible entities in both rural and urbanized areas.
This provides a sustained period of funding for communities transitioning to fare-free models and ensures the program's benefits reach both city and country areas.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Massachusetts
YRS IN OFFICE
51
BILLS LED
160
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 28
Introduced in Senate
JUL 28
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2478
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 28, 2025
Last actionJul 28, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 28, 2025
Senate BillS 2478Transportation and Public Works
Freedom to Move Act
INTRODUCED JUL 28, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 28, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
