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Free fare for better air? Evaluating the impacts of free fare public transit on air pollution

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  • Webster, Grant

Abstract

Due to the positive externalities of public transit, fares have been heavily subsidized throughout the United States and the world. Policymakers have designed these subsidies as a potential mechanism to reduce local air pollution. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of free-fare public transit subsidies in reducing air pollution. Studying the “Zero Fare for Better Air” initiative, I find no significant decrease in ground-level ozone due to free-fare public transit in Colorado. This paper also demonstrates how the free-fare initiative failed to improve welfare even when incorporating all the positive externalities of transit ridership.

Suggested Citation

  • Webster, Grant, 2024. "Free fare for better air? Evaluating the impacts of free fare public transit on air pollution," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:184:y:2024:i:c:s0965856424001241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2024.104076
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    2. Khatun, Farzana & Saphores, Jean-Daniel, 2025. "Free transit for students to regain ridership: Users and boarding characteristics of LA Metro's GoPass program," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
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    5. Chen, Li & Li, Chuanyao, 2025. "Impacts of full electrification of public sector vehicles on urban air quality: Evidence from 15 pilot cities in China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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