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Fare-Free Public Transport Schemes and Their Effects on Ridership, Mode Shift and Equity: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa Abigail, Patrón Gandara
  • teresapatron443@gmail.com
  • Carmen López, Lilian del
  • lilianl@upnfm.edu.hn
  • Depablos-Machado, Lusby
  • depablosmachado@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Fare-free public transport has been adopted in more than one hundred cities, yet its effects on ridership, mode shift and equity remain contested. This systematic review synthesized the available evidence. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, Scopus, OpenAlex and Crossref were searched for studies published between 2013 and 2024. Twenty-five primary studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed with RoB 2, ROBINS-I, CASP or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Fifteen studies measured ridership: increases ranged from 1.2% (Tallinn) and 7.5% (Stavanger) to 24% (Ningbo) and 75% (seniors, Chicago), with null effects among pupils and older adults in two studies. Eight studies examined mode shift: car-to-transit substitution was modest, and induced trips often replaced walking. Ten studies reported equity outcomes, with benefits for low-income and older users but no change in labour-force participation and negative school-attendance effects. Conclusions: Fare-free public transport reliably increases ridership, mainly by generating new trips and substituting active travel, while the evidence for car mode shift and equity gains is weak and context-dependent.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa Abigail, Patrón Gandara & teresapatron443@gmail.com & Carmen López, Lilian del & lilianl@upnfm.edu.hn & Depablos-Machado, Lusby & depablosmachado@gmail.com, 2024. "Fare-Free Public Transport Schemes and Their Effects on Ridership, Mode Shift and Equity: A Systematic Review," SAP Transport, Mobility & Society, South American Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwf:tmsart:tms2024129
    DOI: 10.62486/tms2024129
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