GeofCoxMar 13

Almost 50 cities in France have already done away with paid tickets... "Nearly three million people in France can now use urban public transport without paying a fare. That number is likely to grow after the municipal elections... given the proliferation of proposals to make urban transport at least partially free."

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2026/03/12/french-cities-steady-march-toward-free-public-transport_6751388_19.html

French cities' steady march toward free public transport

Ahead of the municipal elections, candidates across the country have promised fare-free transport. Almost 50 cities have already done away with paid tickets, compared to just six before the 2000s.

Le Monde
Show threadMichael ᚋᚔᚉᚆᚓᚐᚂ

@GeofCox I’ve always wondered what the cost of fares collection is.

Systems, apps, account management, back office, ticket machines, readers, maintenance, inspectors, updates, fare negotiations teams, press releases, explanatory documents.

It’s quite a cost.

I'm in Chamonix at the moment, and I’m driving and cycling rather than using the bus because this is just too complicated for me.

Mar 14 at 7:39amWeb
Show threadMartin5d ago
@baoigheallain
Also (for our town anyway) it would be handy to have a mesh system rather than hub, it could improve access by reintroducing unprofitable routes.
@GeofCox