Kansas City could become first major city to eliminate public transportation fares
The city's mayor called a vote this week 'monumental'
The Kansas City Council advanced a resolution on Thursday that would eliminate fares for residents riding public buses.
The legislation, unanimously approved, directs officials to find funds in next year's budget to finance the proposal.
In a tweet, Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas called the vote “monumental.”
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According to a local news outlet, bus trips currently cost $1.50 per ride or $50 for a monthly pass.
The city would obviously lose revenue if the measure were implemented.
In 2014, fare revenue generated $12.1 million for the city, according to data from the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. That made up nearly 15 percent of the organization’s operating budget.
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Lucas has said he does not support raising taxes to impose the measure, but the city is hoping to set aside $8 million from the budget to finance it, as reported by the Kansas City Star.