WORCESTER - Earlier this year, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau suggested Worcester as the perfect candidate to try a fare-free bus system.

City Councilor At-Large Gary Rosen is on board with the idea and next week he will be on board the bus to talk to riders about a pilot program for free fares on WRTA buses. 

"We've got to get people back on the bus. A lot of people are out of their cars because Worcester traffic is horrendous during rush hour. A lot of us think this is the way to do it," Councilor Rosen said. 

The idea gained traction following the report from the Research Bureau who said a fare-free system would increase ridership in Worcester. 

The report stated that there would be a loss of roughly $2 million to $3 million in fares. 

Rosen said, "If it comes down to the Worcester taxpayers having to pay more than the present $4 million we do, then I don't think it's a good idea."

Next week, Rosen and the Worcester Fare-Free Task Force will ride the bus in an effort to get more ides from bus riders. 

Rosen said, "I'm hopeful we will have an announcement of some kind next summer. It's worth a try."