The MTA’s year-long fare-free bus pilot program has officially ended. Riders expressed disappointment this morning as they returned to paying fares on the BX18 line but said they will continue to ride the bus.

The MTA launched the pilot program last year with $15 million in funding from Governor Kathy Hochul, offering free rides on one bus line in each borough. However, the agency decided not to extend the program, citing insufficient new ridership to justify the cost. According to surveys conducted by the MTA, ridership on the free bus lines increased by a third during the program.

David Castillo, a regular BX18 rider, shared his thoughts on the program's end, saying, "It makes me feel sad because I have to pay again and that was money I was saving. I take the bus two times daily, so it makes me feel sad."

As fare enforcement ramps up across the city, the MTA and NYPD are cracking down on fare evaders, issuing $100 tickets to those who attempt to ride without paying. It remains to be seen how this will impact the BX18 line now that fares are back in place.