Where are the funds? Free public transport has appeal but doesn't add up

The biggest drawback to free public transport schemes is the lack of funds from fares to cover maintenance and upgrades

( This article was first published by The Conversation on 30 May, 2018. Business Standard is republishing the article in light of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal proposing to make public transport free for women in Delhi)

The idea of free public transport has clear appeal. Cities in France and Germany are already considering such proposals, to reduce traffic and air pollution. And in the UK, Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn declared that he would introduce free bus travel for under-25s, to complement the passes already available to senior citizens.

But