Evaluating the effects of fare characteristics on fare equity: A scoping review

Abstract

While public-transit fares can represent barriers to some people to use public-transit systems, they remain a major source of funding for operating it. Given the ubiquitous nature of fares in public-transit systems worldwide, understanding how characteristics of fare structures affect the distribution of fare burden (i.e., fare equity) is crucial. To do so we conducted a scoping review of the current literature on public-transit fare equity. We defined fare equity in the form of vertical equity (based on the ability-to-pay principle) and market equity (based on the beneficiary-pay principle). We then screened through 511 unique studies, retaining 24 for analysis. Findings were grouped based on fare attributes (e.g., distance-, time-, service- and user-based fare modulations), fare type and fare integration before combining results in a conceptual model. Distance-, time- and service-based fares were shown to have a positive effect on market equity while only income-based fares always positively impacted vertical equity. User-based fares have shown clear negative effects on market fare equity. The effects of most fare characteristics on fare equity were either not well researched or dependent on local contexts. Lastly, a lack of assessment of the synergies between fare characteristics in their effect on fare equity was also observed. Potential opposite effects of fare characteristics on vertical and market fare equity points to the necessity for public-transit agencies to choose which form of fare equity to promote. Recommendations for practitioners and researchers based on our findings are provided to guide the field of fare equity forward.