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Almost Fare Free: Impact of a Cheap Public Transport Ticket on Mobility Patterns and Infrastructure Quality

Author

Listed:
  • Mario Liebensteiner
  • Jakob Losert
  • Sarah Necker
  • Florian Neumeier
  • Jörg Paetzold
  • Sebastian Wichert

Abstract

In 2022, Germany introduced a temporary 9-euro monthly ticket for unlimited local and regional public transport. We investigate its impact on mobility patterns, including increased public transport usage, reduced car traffic, and rail network congestion. Using difference-in-difference and event-study analyses with mobile network-based mobility, traffic volume, and rail traffic data, we find limited substitution between transportation modes, a strong increase in leisure train journeys, and notable adverse effects on rail infrastructure quality. These effects dissipate after the ticket’s expiration. Our study suggests caution regarding the expected environmental benefits of nearly fare-free ’go-anywhere’ public transport tickets, which are discussed in several countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Liebensteiner & Jakob Losert & Sarah Necker & Florian Neumeier & Jörg Paetzold & Sebastian Wichert, 2024. "Almost Fare Free: Impact of a Cheap Public Transport Ticket on Mobility Patterns and Infrastructure Quality," CESifo Working Paper Series 11229, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11229
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fare-free public transport; mobility patterns; traffic volume; mode choice; transport subsidies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R42 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government and Private Investment Analysis; Road Maintenance; Transportation Planning
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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