[sustran] Re: [Transit-Prof] Info on Free Public Transport or Transit

[Alan P Howes]

To amplify a little on the last point below - 

This (Scottish) initiative was for "social inclusion" purposes rather
than transport policy.  As such it has been very popular, and has
certainly filled buses.  But effects on car use (particularly in
peaks) have been small.

I agree wholeheartedly with those, e.g. Brendan Finn, who argue
against free fares as a way of achieving a "green" transport policy.
Better to get car users to pay more gas tax, and spend the proceeds on
better transit.

Free bread before free buses!

Alan

On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 08:57:38 +0000, "Alan Howes"
<alan.howes at cbuchanan.co.uk> wrote to <roland at actrix.co.nz>:

>
>I am sure this (free fares) is NOT the best way to get people out of their cars.  I could go on at length ... but no time I'm afraid.
>
>But in answer to your specific question - I definitely remember that Rome tried such an experiment some time ago - at least 20 years back - resulting in full buses, but no reduction in cars.
>
>And here in Scotland, all senior citizens (60+) get free local bus travel.  This has resulted in some modal shift car to bus - my firm did some monitoring of the effects of the scheme.  I could dig around in the results if you want - but may need a few days.
>
>Alan

-- 
Alan P Howes, Perthshire, Scotland
alan at ourpeagreenboat.co.uk
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/alanhowes/  [Needs Updating!]