Fare-free transit isn’t the climate change benefit that many have hoped, according to recent writing by David Zipper for Bloomberg.
Grandiose claims about the benefits of free transit for emissions reductions are “shaky at best,” according to an article by David Zipper published by Bloomberg in April.
“After more than a decade of transit agencies around the world experimenting with free trips, it’s far from clear that dropping fares delivers an environmental upside,” writes Zipper.
Numerous cities in the United States have experimented with fare-free transit since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Orange County Transportation Authority (in California), San Diego County, the Utah Transit Authority, the state of Colorado, Cincinnati Metro, and the city of Boston have considered or implemented free fare programs just since the beginning of 2022.
The problem, writes Zipper, is that despite the popularity of fare-free transit, these programs aren’t reducing driving substantially enough to reduce emissions. Data from some fare-free transit programs “suggests that making travel free enticed those who, due to limited income, would have otherwise walked, rode a bike or foregone the trip entirely,” according to Zipper.
More data on fare-free transit programs from around the world can be found in the source article below.
FULL STORY: Free Public Transit Is Not a Climate Policy
Free Transit for SLO Residents During Rideshare Week
San Luis Obispo transit riders can access fixed-route buses for free during the week of October 7 through October 11.
Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free
The city is doubling down on its efforts to boost bus ridership as part of its climate action plan.
Planning Year in Review 2022: Downtowns, Transportation, Climate Change
Part two of a review of the major themes, debates, and events of the year in planning that was 2022.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners