Michigan City, IN — Effective December 1, 2025, Michigan City Transit is proud to announce the official launch of the Michigan City Zero-Fare Transit System, providing free public transportation for all riders.
On November 17, 2025, the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety approved a new Operating Policy authorizing the elimination of all passenger fares. This major policy change allows Michigan City residents, workers, students, seniors, visitors, and the general public to utilize the entire public transit system at no cost to the rider.
“This initiative reflects the strong leadership and vision of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch,” Transit Director Robin Barzoni-Tillman said. “Her commitment to increasing mobility, reducing barriers for low-income and transit-dependent riders, and expanding economic and community access has guided this effort. The mayor has emphasized that public transit is essential infrastructure, and removing fares ensures that every member of the community can travel freely, safely, and affordably.”
By eliminating fares, Michigan City Transit aims to enhance service efficiency, reduce boarding times, and improve the overall rider experience.
“Michigan City Transit remains dedicated to providing reliable, accessible, and secure service for everyone who rides,” Barzoni-Tillman said. “Safety first and always.”
Michigan City Transit provides fixed-route and ADA paratransit transportation throughout the community, connecting residents to employment, healthcare, education, shopping, and essential services. The Zero-Fare Transit System is the next step in strengthening mobility and equity for all.
For more information, schedules, and service updates, visit the Michigan City Transit website at https://michigancityin.gov/city-departments/transit/ or contact the Transit Office at (219) 873-1502.
The City of Michigan City on their Facebook page, gave the following update to this press release:
UPDATE to address concerns about funding:
The Michigan City Transit Department has been and will continue to be subsidized by funding from the Federal Transit Administration and the State of Indiana.
We made the decision to adopt a zero-fare policy when we were looking at our general operating budget and found that the City was paying more to manage cash fares than the amount of money we were collecting in fares. In other words, no extra funds are being expended to operate as a zero-fare service.
We are happy to be able to provide this service to our community as we move into the New Year. And we hope to see our ridership increase as our residents now have a free transportation option to get to their doctors’ offices, grocery stores, work, school, sports, etc.
This decision also helps to support our local nonprofit agencies, several of which were purchasing bus passes in bulk for their clients. Now, those dollars they were spending can be used to provide other programming and services.