Public transport pricing variables and the feasibility of free public transport systems; Ankara case

This study aims to comprehensively address the social, environmental and economic dimensions of Free Public Transportation (FPTS) systems and to evaluate these policies through the practices in the world and in Turkey. Free public transportation practices first emerged in developed countries in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the increasing intensity of automobile use in order to reduce the use of private cars, make urban transportation more sustainable and encourage public transportation systems. Over time, many local governments have adopted UTS policies and implemented them at different scales as they have the potential to provide solutions to problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution and fossil fuel consumption that arise in the urbanization process. Factors that increase the effectiveness of UTS systems are primarily the correct analysis of local dynamics, urban infrastructure and transportation demands, ensuring the financial sustainability of these systems through resource planning, maintaining service quality and ensuring user satisfaction. Free transportation policies are multidimensional policies that are not only limited to the transportation sector but also directly affect the social structure and environmental sustainability of cities. Therefore, these policies need to be designed in line with the principles of environmental sensitivity, economic efficiency and social justice in line with sustainable development goals. Successful implementation of UTS systems can provide various benefits such as increasing urban mobility, alleviating traffic congestion by reducing the use of individualvehicles, improving air quality and strengthening social equality. However, in order to achieve these benefits, strategic solutions need to be developed for the challenges that may be encountered in the planning, implementation and monitoring processes of the system. In this respect, the study aims to develop a free public transportation model for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, and to develop various scenarios for this model. The scenarios, which are developed by taking into account the existing public transportation infrastructure and user profile of Ankara, provide guidance for the integration of a sustainable UTS system into the city. The model proposed as a result of the study is intended to contribute to the establishment of a more inclusive, accessible and environmentally friendly transportation system in Ankara.