But whileeveryone loves a costless ride, the impacts vary among different socio-economic groups.
In fact, the biggest winners in free public transport already benefit the most from public transport.
As a result, homes cost more to buy and rent.
This means that to access affordable housing, low-income earners live further away from public transport.
Yep, thats almost half the population.
Furthermore, living without a car or accessible public transport excludes you from accessing higher-paying jobs.
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Without adequate transit, they will remain stuck in place.
And, working in a low-paid job means more of your wages are likely to be spent ontransport.
And, were talking about a sizable proportion of the population.
And its a populace most disadvantaged by poor public transport options.
Free public transport would literally keep people out of the prison system in some countries like Germany.
Taking a bus or tram in Germany without a valid ticket is a crime under Germanys criminal code.
This includes failure to purchase a separate ticket for your bicycle or pet.
In 2021around 592,000 people were caught without a ticketduring checks on buses and trains in Berlin.
When caught dodging a fare the first time, the fine is 60 ($75).
The third time, youre reported to the police.
Then you either have to pay a higher fine or go to jail for up to one year.
Current numbers are unclear.
Keeping such people out of the prison system will save the state money.
And crucially, prevent a vulnerable cohort from accruing debt or worse, entering the prison population.
These days, there are few indoor public spaces where anyone can just be without purchasing anything.
Can you think of any besides public libraries and hospital waiting rooms?
Many train stations allow entry only through the purchase of a ticket.
This means that homeless people cannot use the space to shelter from hot or cold weather.
Free public transport removes this problem.
It also gives everyone equal access to ride trains anytime.
Its definitely a step in the right direction to respond to a complex social problem.
So whats the answer?
Or should we make fines discretionary to keep low-income earners out of jail?
But, until everyone is equally serviced, the disparity between rich vs. poor remains.
So where to now?
Firstly, Id like to see rich people pay their taxes (Im looking at you, Elon).
These funds could improve and expand public transport.
I also want to see more public-private partnerships.Readthe second part of this articleto find out more.
Overall though, free public transport can help people.
But it needs to occur alongside other strategies to help lift people out of poverty.
Otherwise, its just another thing that benefits those with the most advantages.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
