Good public transport is a mark of a city where citizens enjoy a high standard of living. A city with free public transport takes those benefits and amplifies them exponentially.
Moving commuters from private cars to public transport reduces both carbon emissions and local air pollution. Making public transport free at the point of use improves social equity and mobility too.
Leveraging reduced car usage to increase the walkability of cities has economic benefits too, putting more foot traffic into areas where shops will most benefit.
Cities which have implemented free public transport, like Tallinn, Luxembourg City and Montpellier have reported positive outcomes such as increased ridership, reduced traffic, and improved quality of life.
The link is clear - as public transport becomes cheaper, the number of people using it increases. As the number of people using it increases volumes are reduced. As traffic volume is reduced pedestrian and other road user injuries and deaths are decreased, more people are encouraged to use active transport and air quality and general health improves as a result.
There are challenges with adopting free public transportation - not least persuading tax payers that the benefits are worth the cost.
For those cities that can make the case for subsidising public transport, the benefits are clear.
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