A Review of Reduced and Free Transit Fare Programs in California

摘要: Author(s): Saphores, Jean-Daniel, PhD; Shah, Deep; Khatun, Farzana | Abstract: To gain a better understanding of the current use and performance free reduced-fare transit pass programs, researchers at UC Irvine surveyed California agencies with focus on members Transit Association (CTA) during November December 2019. Fifty-nine agencies, representing broad cross-section operators, responded. Three quarters respondents offered one or more programs in fiscal year 2018-19. While most stated that passes increase ridership, many had concerns about effect their agency’s farebox recovery ratio, to some extent health agency, though almost half did not know actual impacts. Those offering student funded by fees employee employers report any negative impact ridership ratios. This confirms structured like insurance (where large group potential riders—such as all students college employees firm—periodically pays lump sum agency while only subset actually uses transit) can be good for both riders agencies. Free reduced fare have an important role play transportation policy California, but we should ask too much from these programs. achieve full potential, they integrated into comprehensive policies California’s social environmental goals.