Ask Slashdot: If Public Transport Was Free, Would You Leave Your Car At Home?

dkatana writes: The Estonian capital launched a program of free public transport to encourage people to leave their cars at home. But they never did. When Tallinn launched the program ridership numbers did increase, but not by the 20% the city had projected. Instead, they grew by a modest 3%, and by people already using public transport. What happened is that more pedestrians and bike users started to use public transit instead of walking and cycling. But car users continue to drive to work. Do you think the same would hold true in the U.S. if a similar program was started?

Comments

That would mean a long walk

[tomhath]

The closest public transportation is about 35 miles from my house. So no.

Re:I would sell it

[lgw]

My ideal is that everyone else takes public transport, and my 40 minute commute then becomes a 4 minute commute. I might need to remove the speed governor from my car, and get better tires, and add a rocket or two, but money well spent!

Re:Free of what?

[FranTaylor]

Free of the inability to easily stop to grab a coffee or use the bathroom?

You can do this when you're stuck in traffic? I hope you have plastic seat covers.