The War on Cars Should the Bus Be Free? With Yonah Freemark
Aug 12, 2025
Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Urban Institute, dives into the hot topic of free bus service in New York City. He explores the implications of eliminating fares and discusses how it could impact ridership and public safety. The conversation navigates through successful examples from other cities and examines potential public health benefits. With a focus on accessibility and equity, Freemark addresses the complexities of making transit systems more inclusive. It's a thought-provoking discussion on shaping urban transportation for the future.
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Free Fares Raise Ridership
- Making transit free reliably increases ridership.
- Richmond, Tucson and Montpellier saw large post-free increases.
Richmond, Tucson, Montpellier Saw Big Gains
- Richmond and Tucson reported about 24% more riders in 2024 than in 2019 after going fare-free.
- Montpellier in France also led French metros in ridership gains after eliminating fares.
Free Fares Rarely Cut Driving
- Free fares mainly attract existing walkers, bikers, and transit users.
- Evidence shows limited mode shift from cars to buses.
