Fareless Square, Public transport zone in downtown Portland, United States.
Fareless Square was a free transit zone in downtown Portland that allowed riders to travel at no cost on light rail, buses, and streetcars. The area covered multiple city blocks and connected the major transportation hubs and neighborhoods.
The initiative began in 1975 as a way to reduce downtown parking problems and air pollution. The program ended in 2012 after going through different phases of free service.
The free transit system influenced how residents and visitors moved through Portland's center, making public transportation a primary choice for urban mobility.
Visitors could use all transit modes without paying, making it simple to explore downtown without extra costs. Finding your way around was straightforward because the zone covered major areas and all routes within the boundaries were free to access.
The zone was restructured in 2010 to keep light rail and streetcars free while charging for bus rides. This shift changed how people moved around the city and used different transportation options.
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