Mode choice implications of fare-free public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic – Household survey-based results from a German case study

Cost and travel time are key factors influencing transport mode choice. Therefore, tariff measures are essential for enhancing the appeal of public transport. In addition to fare reductions, implementing free public transport is another viable alternative. However, there are only a few comprehensive evaluations of free public transport that consider both person-related and trip-related attributes. This study addresses this research gap by evaluating the fare-free public transport scheme in the German city of Monheim am Rhein. Using descriptive analyses and binary logit models, we demonstrate that fare-free public transport significantly increases the likelihood of its use. Notably, households with medium economic status are particularly inclined to switch to public transport as a result of this initiative. Personal attributes such as age, gender, car availability, employment status, and trip purpose do not significantly affect the impact of the fare-free scheme on mode choice. The positive effect of fare-free public transport in Monheim am Rhein is especially noteworthy given its implementation at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of free access led to a quicker rebound in public transport usage compared to national averages post-pandemic. This suggests that long-term usage may surpass pre-COVID-19 levels. In summary, a local fare-free scheme can serve as an important opportunity for monomodal car users to experience public transport for the first time.