Power and place: the accomplishments and pitfalls of fare-free transit

By making public transit fare free, the ability of the wealthy to purchase preferential treatment is erased and the increased burden for low-income riders who rely on daily passes, which are more costly in the long run, is relieved. Furthermore, low-income riders who tend to pay in cash or purchase physical tickets are hindered by transit lines switching to cashless payment methods. In bypassing cost, this issue is rendered irrelevant.

Beyond direct benefits, focusing on increasing access to public transit also highlights how equity in distributing other substantive rights will increase. Healthcare, social services, job opportunities and food will become more accessible for those serviced by these routes. With the elimination of fares, individuals will have more money to spend and can access these services more easily. Additionally, travel times and delays are expected to be reduced.

However, the project only addresses one aspect of equitable substantive rights, accessibility, . . .