Eliminating Fares to Expand Opportunities: Experimental Evidence on the Impacts of Free Public Transportation on Economic and Social Disparities

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2025
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Pages: 1-34

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We conduct a randomized controlled trial to study the employment effects of providing free public transportation to individuals with low incomes. A temporary subsidy that reduces the price of transit to zero has no significant effects on individuals' paid hours worked or earnings. Using rich administrative data, we also explore a range of other outcomes. We find suggestive evidence that transit subsidies improve measures of financial and physical health.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1-34
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25