From my perspective, it is not advisable to make public transportation free to people. This viewpoint aligns with Kelly’ notion that this policy may be unfair to people who do not use public transportation. I would further argue that the practice of eliminating fares could lead to significant maintenance and quality concerns for public transportation systems. Specifically, the absence of fare revenue might pose challenges in maintaining the quality and efficiency of these systems. Without this financial support, there is a risk of diminished resources for necessary upkeep and improvements, potentially leading to a gradual deterioration in service quality, reliability, and overall user experience over time.
While Paul pointed out that free public transportation would lead to fewer cars on the roads, he failed to acknowledge that making public transportation free does not guarantee a significant reduction in car usage. Many people prefer the convenience, privacy, and flexibility of personal vehicles. Factors like the coverage, frequency, and reliability of public transport systems significantly influence people's willingness to switch from cars to public transportation.
In word, making public transportation free is not a good idea.