Public transportation experts share their views on the impact of fare-free transit systems. This article examines how eliminating fares affects ridership, congestion, and urban mobility. Drawing from real-world examples, including Belgrade’s successful implementation, the discussion explores the potential benefits and challenges of free public transit.
- Free Transit Boosts Ridership and Eases Traffic
- Fare-Free Systems Need Robust Infrastructure Support
- Free Transit Enhances Public Safety and Equity
- Belgrade’s Free Transit Tackles Congestion Successfully
Free Transit Boosts Ridership and Eases Traffic
In my experience, when cities eliminate transit fares, more people are definitely willing to hop on a bus or a train. Take Tallinn, Estonia, for example. They introduced free public transport for residents back in 2013, and it wasn’t long before they saw an increase in public transport usage. It makes sense, right? If it doesn’t cost anything, more people will give it a try, particularly those who usually find the cost a barrier.
However, it’s not just about boosting ridership. Reducing congestion is another big factor. When public transport becomes free, some people ditch their cars. That means fewer vehicles on the road, which can really ease up traffic jams and reduce pollution. Still, it’s not a silver bullet; the system needs to have enough capacity and run efficiently to truly attract and handle the increase in riders. Also, the funding has to come from somewhere, often local taxes. So, there’s a balance to strike, but from what I’ve seen, the benefits often outweigh the downsides, especially in dense urban areas.
Alex Cornici
Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI
Fare-Free Systems Need Robust Infrastructure Support
From my perspective, fare-free transit can play a significant role in encouraging ridership and reducing congestion. When transit is free, it removes a barrier for people who might otherwise opt for personal cars due to the cost of fares. I’ve seen this in cities like Dunkirk, France, where they implemented free public transportation and saw an increase in ridership by about 20%. It not only eases congestion but also helps reduce emissions and provides a more inclusive mobility option for low-income communities.
However, it’s crucial that fare-free transit is supported by a robust service network and proper funding. Without these, increased ridership can put strain on systems, leading to overcrowding and potential service reductions. So, while the idea is great, it needs to be part of a broader strategy that includes long-term investment in infrastructure and services.
Nikita Sherbina
Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Free Transit Enhances Public Safety and Equity
As a personal injury lawyer, I often see the aftermath of traffic congestion—everything from preventable auto accidents to delays in emergency medical response. Fare-free public transportation indeed has the potential to help alleviate these burdens by offering the public a reliable, free option for getting around town. This is particularly meaningful in urban areas, where increased traffic during busy hours leads to more accidents and more stress.
There is no constitutional provision that specifically requires fare-free transit, either legally or constitutionally, but the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) empowers Congress to regulate commerce associated with transportation. This power is also the basis for funding programs such as the Federal Transit Administration’s grants, which cities can tap to help cover the cost of transit fares. The Constitution doesn’t require free transit, but certainly allows governments to seek free transit as a “public good.”
Cities such as Kansas City, MO—where buses have been free to riders since early 2020—have reported that ridership has increased, as have the agency’s reimbursements for transit trips. As a result, law enforcement has made fewer low-level arrests for fare evasion than it had before going fare-free. Municipal officials should think of fare-free transit as an investment in public safety, equity, and efficient infrastructure—they shouldn’t treat it as a cost center, but rather as a liability reducer and access expander.
Seann Malloy
Founder & Managing Partner, Malloy Law Offices
Belgrade’s Free Transit Tackles Congestion Successfully
Fare-free public transit can be a powerful tool to encourage ridership and reduce congestion, especially when implemented thoughtfully. A great example is Belgrade, Serbia, which recently made all public buses and trams free for residents as of January 2025. As one of Europe’s most congested and polluted capitals, this move was designed to ease traffic and make transit more accessible.
Early results are promising. More people are choosing public transportation not just because it’s free, but because it eliminates the daily headaches of urban driving, especially the struggle to find parking, which is a common issue in dense European cities. The fare-free system, combined with Belgrade’s investment in modernizing its fleet, has made transit more attractive and convenient.
This approach strikes a smart balance: it removes financial barriers, reduces reliance on cars, and helps reshape commuter habits. When supported by reliable infrastructure, fare-free transit can serve as an effective strategy for reducing congestion in growing urban centers.
Danilo Milenkovic
Co-Founder & Content Manager, EsportsPulse
