Eurostat data indicates that over half of EU adults (50.6 per cent) did not utilize public transport in 2024. While some regions have implemented free fares, evidence suggests that eliminating tickets alone is insufficient to alleviate congestion or significantly increase ridership across the entire transport sector. The data reveals significant disparities, with Cyprus reporting 85 per cent non-use, compared to Luxembourg, where only 15.7 per cent of adults never used a bus, train, or tram.
Countries adopting free fares, such as Luxembourg and Tallinn, have shown mixed results; while proponents cite increased modal share, analyses indicate that car journeys often remain the dominant mode of transport. Conversely, successful interventions frequently involve structural improvements. Vienna, for instance, saw ridership increases after fare reductions, but this was coupled with a denser network and improved integration.
Zurich maintains a high public transport share, supported by high frequency and consistent public support. A more direct approach involves pricing mechanisms that disincentivize private vehicle use. London’s congestion charge successfully reduced traffic and increased bus ridership.
Furthermore, the German Deutschlandticket shows that while cheap passes are widely purchased, the shift in travel habits is often from other public modes or walking, rather than a mass exodus from cars. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that the most effective strategies combine fare policies with tangible service enhancements. These include dedicated bus lanes, signal priority for trams, real-time information systems, and seamless ticketing that crosses operator boundaries.
Improving the physical reliability and convenience of the transport network, rather than simply removing the fare, is key to sustainable mobility gains.
Topics: #per #cent #transport
It seems that making public transport free isn’t enough to solve the congestion issue.