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

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  • Fielbaum, Andres

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a reignition of the debate about free public transport, especially after a wider implementation due to the pandemic. However, most implementations have consisted of eliminating the fare without further structural adjustments, and one of the main reported concerns is that they seem to primarily attract commuters from active modes rather than car drivers. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to investigate how the design of a representative public transport line, situated in a corridor where it competes with both walking and cars, should be adjusted in response to fare reductions. We first conduct a detailed analysis of the effect of frequency and spacing on mode choice, showing that while increased frequencies attract both walkers and drivers, an increased spacing tends to attract long-distance commuters (often drivers) and discourage short-distance ones (which are more likely to walk). Hence, spacing can play a crucial role in inducing a desired mode choice.

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  • Fielbaum, Andres, 2024. "On the relationship between free public transport, stop spacing, and optimal frequencies," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transb:v:183:y:2024:i:c:s0191261524000481
    DOI: 10.1016/j.trb.2024.102924
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