Free bus service research (FOI)Free bus service research (FOI)
Produced by the Freedom of Information officeAuthored by Government of Jersey and published on
31 January 2020.Prepared internally, no external costs.
Request
In a recent public statement by John Le Fondre the Chief Minister, he stated that based on research from other jurisdictions, he would not contemplate a free bus service in any form. The specific reason given was that a free bus service would only be used by cyclists and pedestrians and not result in any car users using the bus service.
I would like to be provided copies of the documented evidence mentioned by John Le Fondre to substantiate his claim.
Response
Please see attached link for information from the International Journal of Transportation. Studies have been undertaken across Europe that show an increase of cyclists and pedestrians using buses when they are free.
Free Fares Policies: Impact on Public Transport Mode Share and Other Transport Policy Goals
The findings of this report were shared with Senator Le Fondre prior to the debate of proposition P52/2019 (Bus services: proposals to make them free of charge).
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