In the bustling city of São Paulo, the current situation has reached a critical point where the air quality has deteriorated to the extent that you can visibly see the air you are breathing. This alarming scenario is a result of a severe drought and unusually high temperatures that have gripped the city.
The recent months have seen a concerning mix of pollution from vehicles and smoke from fires, both exacerbated by the ongoing climate emergency. This deadly combination has led to a significant decline in air quality, with the air quality index hitting a “very bad” rating for the first time in decades.
Moreover, the city’s public transport system is facing a crisis of its own. Despite an increase in the number of cars on the roads, public transport has experienced a decline in passengers. This trend is not unique to São Paulo, as cities worldwide are grappling with similar challenges in their public transport networks.
Recent data from the UK shows that post-Covid-19, motor vehicle usage has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, while bus and rail travel remains below par. In Brazil, even before the pandemic, public transport networks in major cities were already on a downward trajectory, losing a significant portion of their passengers over the past decade.
The pandemic has further exacerbated the existing crisis in public transport systems. With a dwindling number of passengers, revenues have plummeted, leading to a vicious cycle of decline in service quality. The traditional model of subsidizing public transport through ticket sales has become unsustainable in the face of declining ridership.
In response to these challenges, cities are exploring alternative approaches to financing public transport systems, including the implementation of fare-free public transport. The concept of fare-free public transport has gained traction in recent years, with 116 municipalities now offering fully subsidized public transport services.
Cities that have adopted fare-free public transport have seen a surge in passenger numbers, accompanied by improvements in the system. Some cities have even transitioned to electrifying their bus fleets, leading to a reduction in traffic and emissions. The move towards fare-free public transport has not only improved accessibility but also paved the way for sustainable investments and planning.
The discussion around fare-free public transport is gaining momentum globally, with a focus on environmental and social perspectives. By abolishing fares, cities are not only addressing the repressed demand for affordable transport but also tackling social inequalities. The measure has the potential to make cities more inclusive, reduce pollution, and create a more sustainable urban environment for future generations.
Daniel Santini, a journalist and urbanism expert, has been studying free public transport policies extensively. His book, “No Turnstile: from utopia to the reality of Fare Free Public Transport,” delves into the intricacies of fare-free public transport systems. As cities around the world grapple with transportation challenges, the concept of fare-free public transport emerges as a promising solution to create more equitable and sustainable urban spaces.
