The free ride dilemma: how Istanbul’s public transit program affects elderly mobility and travel behavior

Purpose The purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the efficacy of Turkey’s Free Transportation Program, specifically focusing on its influence on the mobility patterns and accessibility for the elderly population within the complex urban environment of Istanbul. Through a comparative analysis of travel behaviors between program beneficiaries (aged 65 and older) and non-beneficiaries (aged 55–64) in the Kadıköy district, this study investigates the resultant shifts in modal choice, travel frequency and trip purpose. The research further aims to identify the key determinants – including accessibility and convenience – that influence public transport selection among these distinct age cohorts. By examining the program’s impact on personal vehicle use and identifying specific infrastructural and operational barriers, the study seeks to determine whether the policy achieves its dual goals of promoting elderly mobility and mitigating traffic congestion. Ultimately, this investigation provides empirical data and policy-relevant insights intended to inform the strategic enhancement of urban transportation systems to better serve passengers. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach, using both Revealed Preference and Stated Preference survey methods to furnish a comprehensive analysis of transportation preferences and behaviors. The research design focuses on the elderly population in Istanbul, specifically targeting individuals aged 55 and older in the Kadıköy district, an area chosen for its comprehensive access to all modes of public transportation and a significant concentration of the target demographic. Data was collected through 230 interviewer-assisted personal interviews, a method selected to enhance response accuracy and completion rates among the elderly. The collected data were then analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques, including t-tests to compare the means between two groups, One-way analysis of variance to assess differences across multiple groups, and multiple regression analysis to model the relationships between various travel behavior variables. Findings Based on the analysis of survey data, the study reveals significant disparities in travel behavior between the two age cohorts. Individuals aged 65 and older, who benefit from the Free Transportation Program, show a clear preference for buses for their predominantly leisure-based travel and tend to travel during off-peak hours (10:00–13:00). In contrast, the 55–65 age group, who mostly do not receive free transport, prioritize speed and efficiency, favoring rail systems for their primarily work-related commutes during peak morning hours. While the younger group uses public transport daily, the over-65s use it two to four times a week. A key finding is that proximity to a stop is the most critical factor for the older group’s mode selection, whereas speed is paramount for the younger, employed cohort. Furthermore, the free transport program appears to have a limited effect on reducing personal vehicle use, with a significant portion of both groups still relying on cars, particularly for urgent trips like hospital visits. Accessibility remains a challenge for the elderly, who report difficulties with most transport modes except for ferries. Research limitations/implications The study’s findings, while insightful, are subject to certain limitations that offer avenues for future research. The research is geographically focused on the Kadıköy district of Istanbul; therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other districts, cities or countries with different demographic profiles, urban structures and public transportation systems. The cross-sectional nature of the survey provides a snapshot in time, and a longitudinal study would be beneficial to track changes in travel behavior over a longer period. Furthermore, the study relies on self-reported data, which can be subject to recall bias. Despite these limitations, the study has significant implications for policymakers and urban planners. It strongly suggests that simply providing free transportation is insufficient to fully address the mobility challenges of the elderly or to significantly reduce traffic congestion. The findings highlight that enhancing the physical accessibility of the transportation network – such as improving access to metro and metrobus stations – may be a more effective strategy. The research implies a need for more nuanced policies, such as implementing time-of-day restrictions on free travel to alleviate peak-hour crowding, which would improve comfort for all passengers. In addition, the study points to the potential role of employers in promoting sustainable transport by offering flexible working hours or alternative transport options, thereby reducing the reliance on personal vehicles for commuting among the preretirement demographic. Practical implications The practical implications of this research offer actionable guidance for urban transportation authorities and policymakers aiming to enhance mobility for the elderly and manage urban traffic more effectively. The primary takeaway is that expanding the physical transportation network and, crucially, improving its accessibility are likely more impactful than the free transportation program on its own. For instance, transit authorities should prioritize infrastructure improvements that address the specific barriers faced by seniors, such as the difficulty in accessing metro and metrobus stations, to make these faster modes of transport a more viable option for them. Furthermore, to mitigate peak-hour congestion, the study suggests a tangible policy adjustment: implementing time constraints on the free transportation program. Encouraging elderly travel during off-peak hours could significantly enhance comfort for all passengers and optimize vehicle capacity. The research also has direct implications for employers, who can contribute to alleviating traffic by offering flexible work hours or enhancing staff transportation services. This would particularly benefit employees in the 55–65 age bracket, potentially reducing their reliance on personal vehicles for daily commutes. Ultimately, the study advocates for a multifaceted approach that moves beyond fare subsidies to a more holistic strategy encompassing infrastructure, policy and workplace practices to create a more efficient and inclusive public transportation system. Originality/value This study’s primary originality and value lie in its empirical and critical evaluation of a specific, large-scale policy – Turkey’s Free Transportation Program for the elderly. It addresses a significant gap in the literature by providing a rare, in-depth analysis of such a program’s effectiveness within the unique context of a major, non-Western metropolis like Istanbul, whose demographic and transit challenges differ from those in many previously studied European or North American cities. The value is further enhanced by its novel comparative methodology, which dissects the travel behaviors of not just the elderly beneficiaries (65 and older) but also a crucial preretirement cohort (ages 55–65). This approach allows the research to isolate the impacts of the free transport policy from other significant factors, such as employment status and lifestyle. The most significant contribution is the study’s data-driven conclusion that simply removing the fare barrier is insufficient to overcome fundamental accessibility issues or significantly curb personal vehicle use. In doing so, it provides invaluable evidence for policymakers, challenging the conventional wisdom that financial incentives alone are a panacea and redirecting the conversation toward the greater importance of infrastructure investment, accessibility improvements and nuanced demand-management strategies.