Free Public Transit: And Why We Don't Pay to Ride Elevators

by Jason Prince (Editor), Judith Dellheim (Editor)

Just like we don't pay to use elevators, this book argues that we shouldn't pay to ride public transit. In an age of increasing inequalities and ecological crisis, movements advocating free public transit push us to rethink the status quo and consider urban transit as a fundamental human right. Editors Jason Prince and Judith Dellheim have collected a panorama of case studies from around the the United States, Canada, Estonia, Greece, France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, China, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and more. These movements are spread across the world, and they aim to achieve two main outcomes—ecological good and fair wealth distribution. Free public transit—coupled with increased capacity and improving service of public transit—might well be the only viable strategy to eliminating car usage and achieving greenhouse gas targets in industrialized cities within a reasonable timeframe. Movements for free mass transit also aim to see public transit treated as a public good, like water and garbage service, that should be paid for out of general tax revenues or a fairer regional tax strategy. This book covers the rapidly changing transport options in cities today, including bike and car share options, Uber and Lyft, and the imminent arrival of driver-less vehicles. The first English-language book ever written on the subject, Free Public Transit is a ground breaking book for those concerned about the future of our cities and an essential resource for those who make, or try to change, urban planning and transport policies.
 

Genres: Urban Planning, Nonfiction

250 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2018

Reviews

[Morgan Jacobus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book for understanding the arguments for free public transit and the various movements for it around the world. It’s basically a compilation of essays from various authors who have made a case for or explained the history of movements for free transit. The book did have a heavy focus on the history of movements. I had hoped there would be more discussion on the practical methods for implementing and how to address challenges, but it was lacking in that arena. Altogether, I came with little knowledge of free public transit structures and came out with a much better grasp of the subject. Would definitely recommend for activists and elected officials who are considering pushing for free public transit.

[Lucia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I read about half of it for my thesis. If I had any brain power left, I would have finished it. It was very helpful.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's informatively dense but impassioned about public transportation. I think it's a must ready for those who wish their home was less automobile-centered.