It is often argued that making public transportation free of charge would decrease the use of private cars, thereby helping governments curb carbon emissions. Free public transportation access to buses and trains would promote environmentally friendly travel choices but this policy stands as an impractical long-term solution because it creates substantial financial costs.
The elimination of fares would result in public transportation becoming the preferred choice for people who currently drive their own cars. The transition would result in major reductions of urban traffic congestion and it would also decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions which cities generate from their daily transportation systems. The city of Luxembourg has proven the effectiveness of free public transportation because it now shows higher passenger numbers and better air quality.
On the other hand, making public transport free would place an enormous financial burden on governments. The operation of buses and subways and trams needs ongoing financial support for personnel costs and equipment upkeep and system development and power consumption which public transportation companies obtain through passenger ticket sales. The state would need to use taxpayer funds at a high level to support the system or face reduced service standards because of missing revenue. Free access to public transportation does not guarantee that drivers will stop using their cars because they base their transportation choices on factors which include convenience and comfort and available routes rather than costs.
In conclusion, although free public transportation has clear environmental advantages, it is not an entirely efficient solution when its economic drawbacks are taken into account. Public transportation should become more accessible through government funding of fare subsidies and service improvements which will make transportation affordable and dependable for those who wish to decrease their car dependency.