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Fare-free public transport in France: unveiling urban policy challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Maxime Huré

    (CDED - Centre de Droit Economique et du Développement - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia)

  • Arnaud Passalacqua

    (LIED (UMR_8236) - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Energies de Demain - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UPCité - Université Paris Cité, LAB'URBA - LAB'URBA - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - Université Gustave Eiffel)

  • Philippe Poinsot

    (LVMT - Laboratoire Ville, Mobilité, Transport - ENPC - École nationale des ponts et chaussées - Université Gustave Eiffel, EUP - École d'urbanisme de Paris - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12 - Université Gustave Eiffel)

Abstract

France is one of the countries where the phenomenon of fare-free public transport is most active, particularly in Europe. This public policy has given rise to controversy over its environmental, social and urban effects. This article offers a different way of discussing the phenomenon. It paints a picture of the phenomenon and then traces its origins back to the emergence of urban crises that began in the 1970s. Finally, it looks back at the major issues associated with this policy, showing that they reflect questions facing cities more widely today.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxime Huré & Arnaud Passalacqua & Philippe Poinsot, 2024. "Fare-free public transport in France: unveiling urban policy challenges," Post-Print hal-04791253, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04791253
    DOI: 10.3828/tpr.2024.40
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04791253v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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