Integrated Pricing Strategies
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Smart cards make paying for public transport quicker and more convenient. All transport operators could also be integrated into the same system. Trendsetter promotes this, as well as a shift to cleaner vehicles by reduced parking fees.
Cities can use fees and pricing as a way to encourage people to use public transport. In order for buses, metro, trams and trains to attract passengers, different operators should integrate their fare systems and create an easy fare structure. Another way to promote alternatives to regular cars is to give clean vehicles parking discounts.
The amount of cars in city centres could also be reduced with zone-model parking. Graz, Lille, Pécs and Stockholm have tried some of these pricing strategies. The projects either deal with intelligent payment systems like smart cards or different parking fee systems.
Smart cardsOne single card for all different kinds of public transport systems is not only convenient for the passengers, but for the operators, who can manage their income easier. A smart card can also collect exact information about how and when people travel. This information can be used to improve the planning of public transport.
Stockholm has started to introduce a smart card system, which is expected to increase the number of trips with public transport and make more people choose buses, metro or trains instead of car. This would lead to reduced emissions, noise levels and energy use.
Public transport in Lille Metropole is carried out by four operators who used to have their own tariffs and ticketing system. Within Trendsetter, a single pricing scheme has been established and operators have agreed to integrate their fare systems. The next step is to introduce a smart card for travelling throughout the system. This would make public transport more attractive and contribute to improved air quality.
More travellers and better operation efficiency compensate for the extra costs when changing the ticketing system to a smart card system.
ParkingReduced parking fees can boost the interest in clean vehicles and zone-model parking can drastically change the traffic pattern in a city so that emissions are reduced. Stockholm, Graz and Pécs have established new parking fee systems within Trendsetter.
Stockholm had to define “clean vehicle” before the introduction of free parking. Political disagreement caused heavy delays, but free parking for vehicles with renewable fuel was finally introduced in May 2005. During the first four months, 830 permits were issued. The number is expected to rise, which would mean fewer air pollutants and green house gases.
The discounted parking tariffs for low-polluting vehicles in Graz have led to only 41 permits in one and a half year. The main reason is that few cars fulfil the set criteria and that these cars are not promoted by car producers and car sellers.
A new parking fee system with zones has reduced the traffic in Pécs inner city considerably and made more people use public transport. The environmental, living and working conditions have improved a lot. Parking used to be free but is now expensive in the centre. The income from the new fees finances Park&Ride facilities and other free parking outside the centre.
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