State Rep. Lemar Shifts Support to Free Buses in New Haven

Lemar now backs eliminating bus fares after previously opposing the idea, citing lack of improvements to bus system quality.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Rep. Roland Lemar has changed his stance and now supports making buses in New Haven free for riders. Lemar, who previously argued against eliminating bus fares, said he has been convinced by constituents that the $1.75 fare is not the main issue - rather, the buses are too crowded, old, dirty, and difficult to access. Lemar acknowledged that the state would need to find a way to make up for the millions in revenue lost from bus fares, but believes the benefits of free buses outweigh the costs.

Why it matters

Lemar's shift on free buses is significant, as he previously chaired the state legislature's Transportation Committee and has influence over transit policy. The move reflects growing support among New Haven residents and advocates for eliminating bus fares to improve accessibility and equity in the public transit system. However, the change will require finding alternative funding sources, which could face resistance from some legislators.

The details

At a recent town hall, Lemar said he has 'gotten to a point where I'm no longer comfortable justifying that the $1.75 that we're collecting from people is being spent in a way that advances the public system.' He cited feedback from bus riders that the fare is not the main issue, but rather the system's crowding, aging fleet, cleanliness, and accessibility problems. Lemar also noted that fare collection can slow down bus service. Several attendees, including climate activist Adrian Huq and state rep candidate Justin Farmer, voiced support for free buses to improve equity and prevent confrontations over fares.

  • Lemar previously opposed eliminating bus fares after the state temporarily made buses free during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Lemar hosted the town hall on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Roland Lemar

A Democratic state representative who chairs the General Law Committee and previously chaired the state legislature's Transportation Committee.

Adrian Huq

A local climate activist who has advocated for free buses in New Haven.

Justin Farmer

A state representative candidate running in the 92nd district who argued that eliminating bus fares would prevent distress and confrontations over the inability to pay.

David Agosta

A local disability rights activist who raised concerns about the accessibility of the CTtransit fare sales location.

Anstress Farwell

A local urban planning advocate who noted benefits of the COVID-era free bus policy and the need to address the negative impacts of car-centric infrastructure in cities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Over time, I've gotten to a point where I'm no longer comfortable justifying that the $1.75 that we're collecting from people is being spent in a way that advances the public system.”

— Roland Lemar, State Representative

“We're still really interested in free fares. So I just wanted to put that on your radar and ask if that's been on your mind.”

— Adrian Huq, Climate Activist

“Buses are delayed 20, 30, 40 minutes because someone is having a crisis over fear.”

— Justin Farmer, State Representative Candidate

What’s next

Lemar said the next step is determining how to make up for the millions in revenue that bus fares currently bring to the transit system. He anticipates substantial pushback to a free-bus proposal and will need to convince rural and suburban legislators to support the funding.

The takeaway

Lemar's shift on free buses reflects growing momentum in New Haven for eliminating fares to improve equity and accessibility in the public transit system. However, implementing free buses will require finding alternative revenue sources, which could face political challenges. This issue highlights the broader need to prioritize investment in public transportation, especially in serving urban communities.