A renewed debate over free public transportation in Greece has followed opposition proposals for fare-free travel, but riders and transportation experts say ticket prices are not the main problem.
Interviews with passengers on Athens bus line 550 found widespread complaints about infrequent service, overcrowding, unreliable schedules and aging vehicles. None identified fares as a primary concern, and most described ticket costs as reasonable.
Transportation specialists said free travel is unlikely to reduce car use or congestion if service quality remains poor. They argued that, if the goal is social support, assistance should target specific groups rather than all riders.
Experts also warned that fares cover about one-third of operating costs, raising questions about how lost revenue would be replaced.
Drawing on European experience, researchers said fare-free systems have generally increased transit use without significantly reducing private car traffic, while imposing substantial costs on governments.
