Fare-free, not carefree: care mobilities in a fare-free public transport system in Tallinn
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2024
Subject Area
place - europe, place - urban, ridership - behaviour, ridership - commuting, ridership - mode choice, policy - fares, policy - equity
Keywords
Care mobilities, fare-free public transport, fare policies, gendered mobilities, mobility constraints
Abstract
The implementation of fare-free public transport (FFPT) in Tallinn (Estonia) in 2013 sparked international media, policy, and academic interest in best practices, funding structures, and ridership. Initial studies showed marginal effects on modal shift, but increased travel by low-income households, and by younger and older passengers. Yet, the assumed social impact of FFPT has since been under-researched. Based on qualitative research with 22 transport-dependent users, including two semi-structured interviews and a seven-day travel diary, this study examines the daily experiences, mobility constraints, and travel practices of care mobilities, i.e., journeys made to care for others or a household. Findings indicate that the absence of fares, although a relative variable in modal choice, allows carers expanded activity spaces, independence from car ownership, and easier coordination of care tasks. I propose to frame accessibility as a relational process emerging from passengers’ encounters and the practices adopted to navigate shared spaces. With this, I argue that understanding public transport use and experiences at a micro-level offers an intersectional and justice lens to commuter-oriented transport and neoliberal urban planning policies.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Sträuli, L. (2024). Fare-free, not carefree: care mobilities in a fare-free public transport system in Tallinn. Mobilities, 19(4), 686-703.
