Fare’s Fair: Experiences and Impacts of Fare Policies

This report explores how fare policies can make public transport more affordable, improving access to opportunities and increasing ridership. Fares are an important source for funding for operations, but revenues have been declining over time due to a combination of factors, such as increasing private car use and the inability of public transport networks to keep pace with changing travel needs. This report explores how fare structures can influence public transport use and identifies principles for fare-setting that can align with the wider goals for public transport.

Public transport authorities need to consider affordability, transparency, inclusiveness, and flexibility when developing fare policies and selecting fare technologies. This report presents several case studies that illustrate these principles. It discusses the distributive effects of different fare policies and ticketing technologies. By identifying what can and cannot be achieved through fare policies alone, this study supports decision makers in developing and implementing more effective and fair fare policies.

Learn more at the ITF / UITP "Experiences and Impacts of Fare Policies" webinar on 10 December