this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2025
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59
Here’s why some people still evade public transport fares – even when they’re 50 cents (theconversation.com)
submitted 5 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
48 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Neither lowering fares or simply increasing enforcement can solve fare evasion alone. Investing in better services and winning public trust are just as important.

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[–] [email protected] 18 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Because people don't value free things as much.

Why not make the fares free in Queensland? One reason can be found in the experience of the Miami Beach Transportation Association in the United States. The Association launched free shuttle buses along the coastline. However, the lack of fares led to a diminished sense of responsibility for the upkeep and care of the transit system, ultimately negatively affecting both driver satisfaction and passenger experience. Whilst passenger numbers initially surged, studies show problem riders resulted in raised personal security concerns as transit crime increased. Examples include increased assault, damage, and theft for users, becoming a deterrent for both new and existing riders. An attempt to resolve these issues was introducing a $0.25 flat fare, leading problem riders to avoid the service. Consequently, these negative factors began to rapidly decline, such as vandalism decreasing by 90% whilst passenger numbers remained steady.

https://ninesquared.com.au/insights/nearly-free-fares/

[–] [email protected] 16 points 4 days ago

I don't know if I buy this. In Melbourne we have the free tram zone in the city and people aren't vandalizing the trams. We have free access to public parks, art galleries, libraries, public toilets. I don't think people are more likely to vandalize those places because they're free.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Then erect a small barrier to entry, like the need to request a PTA card to ride the bus - possibly for a flat one-time fee. No card, no ride, even though the ride itself is free. That should keep the problematic impulse riders at bay.

[–] shalafi 3 points 4 days ago

Meh, if a $.25 fee fixes the problem, collect the change and put it back into the system. Anyway, the poster above you got me thinking, it really is the money that's the factor.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago (2 children)

that sounds more annoying than a low fare

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Just fyi, assuming you're not from around here, most of our transport requires a Go Card already. They don't often take cash.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 days ago

it's the same here in Melbourne but you still need the fare gate systems working so what's the point?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

For a permanent card? One visit?