CUE Zero-Fare Policy
The CUE bus system's zero-fare policy originated as a four-year pilot adopted in FY2022, funded in part through a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation's (DRPT) Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP).
- Feb 17, 2026City Council · item 3Consideration of a resolution endorsing an application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation's Transit Ridership Incentive Program
The CUE bus system's four-year zero-fare pilot (adopted FY22, expiring end of FY26) prompted the application for a second DRPT TRIP grant to continue support starting FY27.
passedApprove a resolution endorsing the City's application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation's Transit Ridership Incentive Program.✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson
- Nov 4, 2025City Council · item 1bPresentation on the CUE Zero Fare Evaluation
A presentation on the CUE Zero Fare Evaluation was delivered to the City Council at this work session for discussion.
In full
The pilot is set to expire at the end of FY2026. On November 4, 2025, City Council received a presentation on the CUE Zero Fare Evaluation at a work session, prompting discussion but no formal vote. On February 17, 2026, the Council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve a resolution endorsing the City's application to DRPT's TRIP program for a second grant to continue zero-fare operations beginning in FY2027.
The resolution signals the City's intent to sustain the zero-fare policy beyond the pilot period, contingent on securing the new grant.