(09 Feb 2022, 10:07 am)Adrian wrote The only issue I have with it, is that it is very short-term thinking. I am not convinced that people using a bus for free for a couple of weeks in the run up to Christmas (or even during the month of March) will lead to long-term modal shift.

In the Christmas example, it was in place of free parking or other parking incentives being available, but when it reverts back to being bus fares vs parking charges, then people will continue to park every time. I'm not against not offering free or discounted parking, but I disagree with those who keep calling for parking to be more expensive to (force) move people to bus.

Harrogate seem to have a more long-term vision with theirs, albeit limited, by offering free travel on their electric fleet every Sunday. It'd be interesting to see how successful that has proven to be in modal shift though.

On one hand, I can see the positives behind the free travel. Whether it is in Newport or Harrogate. However, the free travel is only as good as the network that surrounds it.

As an example, you've shared concerns around the network in Washington on Sundays.
Some people may be tempted to make the switch full time.
For others though - once they have experienced the challenge of hanging around Concord bus station for a period of time due to an infrequent service and/or connections - I am not sure that is likely to tempt many to make the permanent switch.
Even if the interior rear wall of those Solos have something 'witty' or 'desirable' plastered all over it.