Will car users switch to public transit?

Professor and Department Head Abolfazl “Kouros” Mohammadian is investigating whether free transit passes or reduced fares can effectively persuade car users to switch transportation modes, which would improve the ridership of public transit in Illinois. CME Clinical Assistant Professor Farid Peiravian is collaborating on the project.
The research is supported by a $300,000 grant from the Illinois Center of Transportation (ICT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the project titled “Mobility and Funding Assessment for the Expansion of Free and Reduced Fares Transit.”
Free transit passes or reduced fares are generally seen as central to increasing transit ridership by removing financial barriers, which allows more equitable access to the transit system. Several free or reduced fare plans are in place at Illinois transit agencies.
A recent survey data analysis conducted by Mohammadian and his team showed that approximately 28% of survey participants received free or discounted fare among Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) users.
For this new research, Mohammadian plans to conduct a comprehensive mobility and funding assessment in public transit systems within Illinois. He will be investigating the impact of existing programs on mobility and funding, assessing potential expansion strategies, and providing recommendations for improved equity and service efficiency.
“The goal of the study is to collect a statewide inventory of existing free and reduced fare programs; develop a methodology for estimating their impacts and changes in ridership; conduct an in-depth analysis of the costs and societal benefits of expanding free and reduced fare offerings; and provide recommendations for the existing programs and future expansions for enhancing transit services,” Mohammadian said.
The outcomes of this study are anticipated to yield a valuable transportation management tool, which can be readily adopted by transit agencies to enhance their revenue streams and provide affordable fares for different social groups.
In addition to helping transit agencies, the research will provide exciting learning opportunities for students at UIC by leveraging insights and findings from the project.
“Our students will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge methodologies and case studies on public transit systems. This will enhance their understanding of the social, economic, and technical aspects of fare policy in public transportation,” Mohammadian said.
The connection to ongoing research will bridge theoretical knowledge and practical applications, preparing students to address complex transportation issues and contribute to innovative solutions in their future careers. In addition, the research findings can contribute to enhancing and optimizing the U-Pass and U-Pass+ programs implemented at UIC.