‘Anti-social behaviour rises with free public transport’
FREE public transport could result in more antisocial behaviour of the kind already seen on the Luas and rail services, new research has warned.
A study by EY for the National Transport Authority (NTA) also found that such a move would in fact have a limited impact on reducing the number of car journeys taken.
The study was published after Eamon Ryan, the Green Party leader and Transport Minister, was criticised by environmental activists and Opposition TDs for saying any move towards free public transport could result in ‘unnecessary journeys’. The study defines ‘unnecessary journeys’ as people who may use free public transport instead of using active travel modes of transport, such as those people who already walk or cycle instead of driving.
The researchers said: ‘The share that does come from car drivers correlates less strongly with fare reductions than with increases in fuel prices, restrictions on parking and road usage, or increases in public transport quality in terms of speed, frequency, and coverage.’
The report added that an increase in anti-social behaviour on public transport may also increase as a result of free fares.
‘There may be unwanted behavioural issues associated with FFT (fare-free travel). The policy could result in Government spending being used to facilitate unnecessary trips,’ the report said.
‘In addition, Austin (USA) experienced a rise in anti-social behaviour when it introduced FFT. It is possible that some of the anti-social behaviour observed on Luas and rail could be seen more frequently on buses if fares are not required while boarding.
‘This could increase the security costs borne by transport operators.’
The report added: ‘Fare-free travel would increase public transport demand and provide a financial benefit to users, but this would not be achieved through a substantial reduction in car use, according to multiple sources of evidence.
‘Therefore, the policy may not be an effective use of public resources in the long term to achieve national policy goals.’
Last October, gardaí began travelling on the Luas red line following a spate of incidents. There were similar incidents on the Dart line, sparking calls for a dedicated transport police.
Mr Ryan had said that an additional €540million in Exchequer funding would be required ‘at a minimum’ annually and that free fares ‘would not substantially boost the sustainability of the transport system’.
The report also said that transport users have highlighted other issues around public transport such as availability and reliability as greater barriers to reducing car use than pricing.
There are also fears that any move towards free public transport would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on the business viability of commercial bus operators.
‘Increase the security costs’