As a lawyer, I feel most strongly about the least-discussed benefit: Eliminating bus fares can clear junk cases out of our court system, lowering the crushing caseloads that prevent our judges, prosecutors and public defenders from focusing their attention where it’s most needed.

Something Surprising Happens When Bus Rides Are Free

By Emily Galvin Almanza

Ms. Almanza is the executive director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit organization that seeks to transform public defense.