Why free public transport doesn't fix traffic (and what does)

Summary

In 2013, Tallinn introduced free public transportation, yet car use increased despite the initiative. The struggle to convince people to switch from cars to public transit is explored, revealing the psychological appeal of car ownership, such as status and comfort. Several cities, including Jakarta and Luxembourg, have attempted similar approaches but face challenges in reducing car traffic. While efforts like better public transport systems and financial incentives are part of the solution, creating a balance between public transit and private car use requires careful planning, redesigning cities, and ensuring alternative options are available.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tallinn made public transport free in 2013, but it didn’t significantly reduce car usage.
• 😀 Despite free public transport, people’s car use increased by about 5% in Tallinn.
• 😀 Cars fulfill psychological needs such as freedom, comfort, and status, making people reluctant to switch to public transport.
• 😀 Public transport is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than private cars, but people still prefer driving due to convenience and comfort.
• 😀 Other cities, like Luxembourg and Malta, tried making public transport free, but with similar limited success in reducing car dependency.
• 😀 Public transport systems need to be well-connected, efficient, and comfortable to encourage more people to use them.
• 😀 In Jakarta, public transport improvements like BRT systems and minibuses are helping reduce traffic congestion, but car and motorcycle usage is still growing.
• 😀 Making driving less convenient, through measures like congestion charges or fewer parking spaces, can push people to use public transport.
• 😀 London's congestion charge and Paris' restrictions on car access have successfully reduced traffic, but they also disproportionately affect poorer people.
• 😀 The key to reducing traffic is not more roads but redesigning cities to prioritize public transport and active mobility options like walking and cycling.
• 😀 Improving public transport isn't just about fares—it also involves enhancing reliability, comfort, and accessibility to meet diverse user needs.

Q & A

What was the key decision made by Tallinn in 2012 regarding public transport?

In 2012, Tallinn's local government made public transport free for residents, allowing them to use trams and buses without needing to buy tickets.

What was the effect of making public transport free in Tallinn?

While bus ridership increased, the share of public transport use compared to other forms of transport actually dropped. Car usage also rose by about 5%.

Why do people continue using cars despite free public transport?

Cars fulfill psychological needs such as freedom, comfort, and status, which public transport cannot always provide, making it difficult to convince people to switch.

How does car ownership relate to people's psychological needs?

Cars satisfy several levels of psychological needs, from basic comfort and safety to higher needs like social status and self-esteem, offering more than just a way to travel.

What environmental problems are caused by cars?

Cars contribute to air pollution, road accidents, and global carbon emissions, accounting for around 10% of global emissions, which makes them a significant environmental concern.

Have other cities attempted to make public transport free like Tallinn?

Yes, cities like Luxembourg, Malta, Kansas City, and Albuquerque have also tried making public transport free, but with similar mixed results—more frequent use by existing riders, but little change in car usage.

What improvements are necessary to make public transport more attractive?

Improving the public transport system involves better connections, punctuality, reliability, and comfort, as well as providing safer environments and conveniences like seating or the ability to work during travel.

How has Jakarta worked to improve its public transport system?

Jakarta has invested heavily in public transport, with a large Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, and has integrated services like minibuses to improve connectivity, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

What challenge does Jakarta face despite expanding its public transport system?

Despite improving public transport, Jakarta continues to experience growing traffic as more people use cars and motorcycles, showing that increasing public transport options alone isn't enough to reduce congestion.

What is the concept of 'induced traffic'?

Induced traffic refers to the phenomenon where building more roads or adding more lanes actually attracts more cars, leading to increased congestion rather than alleviating it.

What measures are being implemented in some cities to discourage car use?

Cities like London and Paris have introduced congestion charges and removed parking spaces to make driving more expensive and inconvenient, while also investing in better public transport options.

What role does city design play in encouraging public transport use?

Redesigning cities to prioritize public transport, active transportation, and reducing space for cars can help encourage people to use public transit, as seen in ongoing projects in Jakarta and Paris.

What can be done immediately to improve the public transport experience?

Simple measures like real-time bus tracking apps, uniform fare systems, and improving the reliability and comfort of transport can make public transport more convenient and stress-free for users.