On the relationship between free public transport, stop spacing, and optimal frequencies

• DOI: 10.1016/j.trb.2024.102924
• Publication Date: 2024-03-26T18:48:25Z
• Authors: Andres Fielbaum
• Keywords: operations - frequency; ridership - behaviour; Mode share; policy - fares; economics - revenue; 330; Stop spacing; ridership - commuting; policy - sustainable; ridership - mode choice; economics - operating costs; Free public transport; infrastructure - stop; Optimal frequency; Active modes

Recent years have witnessed a reignition of the debate about free public transport, especially after wider implementation due to pandemic. However, most implementations consisted eliminating fare without further structural adjustments, and one main reported concerns is that they seem primarily attract commuters from active modes rather than car drivers. In this paper, we develop an analytical model investigate how design representative transport line, situated in corridor where it competes with both walking cars, should be adjusted response reductions. We first conduct detailed analysis effect frequency spacing on mode choice, showing while increased frequencies walkers drivers, tends long-distance (often drivers) discourage short-distance ones (which are more likely walk). Hence, can play crucial role inducing desired choice. Afterwards, study optimal under two possible objectives. If aim minimise users' plus operator's costs decrease joined by and, potentially, reduced spacing. objective induce sustainable split, measures opposite: increase reduce frequencies. These divergent findings show clear goal when reducing fare, as no singular policy achieve all remark financial burden system, although not enough compensate for loss revenue fares go free.