Master Thesis Does Fare-Free Equal Free-For-All? A study of fare-free public transport (FFPT) in French cities By Andrew Gillies MSc in Spatial Planning Nijmegen School of Management Radboud University December 2019 Master Thesis Title Does Fare-Free Equal Free-For-All? A study of fare-free public transport (FFPT) in French cities Author Andrew Gillies Student number s1016788 Email
[email protected] [email protected] Degree MSc in Spatial Planning Faculty Nijmegen School of Management University Radboud University Houtlaan 4 6525 XZ Nijmegen The Netherlands Version Final Date December 2019 Supervisor Dr Karel Martens Word count (Chapters 1 to 6 inclusive) 29,380 Page "2 of "108 SUMMARY! For its proponents, fare-free public transport (FFPT) represents a potential solution to address a variety of urban problems including congestion, air pollution, car dependency and inequality. As of 2019, there are approximately 100 cities worldwide with ‘full’ FFPT, with France having the most of any European country (at least 20). The aim of this research is to examine the extent to which several elements - ‘motivation factors’, key actors, the institutional context and local conditions - have influenced the decision of French cities to introduce (or discontinue) FFPT.! This research utilises a cross-case study of six French cities with FFPT, as well as two which have recently discontinued it. Firstly, three key ‘motivation factors’ and a list of key actors usually involved in the process of introducing (or discontinuing) FFPT are defined. This is followed by a look at the institutional context for public transport in France, as well as the local conditions in the selected cities.