Five Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus routes across New York City are now offering rides free of charge to commuters under the MTA's fare free pilot program.

The routes include the Bx18 A/B in the Bronx, the B60 in Brooklyn, the M116 in Manhattan, the Q4 LCL/LTD in Queens and the S46/96 in Staten Island.

Officials say the pilot will serve close to 44,000 daily weekday riders. They say participating buses will be clearly marked with 'Fare Free' signage although the free fares will not include transfers to other buses or subways.

The state says the routes were chosen based on things like ridership, equity and fare evasion rates. The goal is to make public transportation more equitable.

The program is being funded by the state's budget. The pilot is expected to last between six and 12 months.