The dark side of making transit irresistible: The example of France

Abstract

The French experience in developing policies to reduce car use in metropolitan areas is presented in this paper as an illustration of the lack of recognition of the broader set of criteria on which specific policy frameworks should be judged. One of the major challenges, and often failings of policies focussed on reducing car use, is the lack of a structure that ensures that the downside impacts are not relocated to other parts of a system such that potential gains end up being eroded by the potential losses. We draw on experiences throughout France as well as case studies in Lyon, to highlight the dark side of French transport policy promoting a switch from car to public transit and nonmotorised modes, in terms of financial, equity, and environmental outcomes.