Free fares: should some public transport be offered as a free public service?

Campaign group Fare Free London has received positive coverage in BBC News, BBC Radio London, and the Metro and London Standard newspapers this week after sharing its views that Londoners are avoiding Tube travel into London to save on costs, potentially increasing the number of vehicles on the road.

Simon Pirani, who sits on the organising group of Fare Free London, said free public transport in London would stimulate the economy, reduce inequality and social isolation, and assist with reducing car usage. Reported in London's Standard newspaper, he said: “We need a complete rethink about how the transport system is paid for. London has a much better transport system compared to other UK cities, but it’s very expensive.

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Join us on 17 September, 10.30- 12.00, in a free webinar to explore funding and payment models in the UK and across Europe, including free bus and other public transport modes

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“Our findings show that low-paid employees are now taking longer journeys on the bus in London to avoid paying higher tube and rail fares, spending huge amount of time travelling.

“Others can’t afford to take their children to museums or free events on the weekend.

“These high fares are exacerbating social inequality in London – the entire situation must be reviewed."

Fare Free London is holding an event on Saturday 27 September, 10am to 1pm:  “How to build support for free public transport’” at Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, London SE1 7AA. Click here to find out more and reserve your place.

Earlier this month, the House of Commons Transport Committee proposed that everyone aged under 22 in England should be given free bus passes to help them get into work and education. Campaign groups, including Fare Free London welcomed the proposal  – and called on the committee, and the government, to consider making all public transport free for all. There have been several schemes across England, Wales and Scotland aimed at provding limited free or subsidised bus travel, and the relative imapcts from these will be discussed at in a free webinar on 17 September, 10.30 - 12.00.

A Fare Free London suggests that the Mayor should make public transport free at the point of use by cancelling new road-building projects.

The Metro article contains examples of free public transport in other cities and groups in London who already have it. The article quotes Fare Free London as saying: "It is about getting back to the idea of public services, for the state to provide a service. 

"Transport system should not be there to make anyone loads of money, it should be there to provide the service people need.” and provides this useful graph showing the increase in cost of travelcards and Pay as You Go caps."