The large state subsidy is necessary to make public transportation affordable to low-income groups and allow work commuting from remote living areas. Literature documents that access to public transportation increases labour force participation (LFP). This project will study the effects of fare-free public transportation on the labour market. In October 2019 the government in New Delhi (India) introduced fare-free bus transport to all females. Other modes of transportation including subway, auto-rickshaw and taxi remained paid. The change of transportation policy will be used to answer the following research questions:
1. Is the introduction of fare-free transportation improving the female LFP?
2. How do cultural norms interact with the use of public transportation and female LFP?
The project exploits the characteristics of women in New Delhi: (i) women who commute to work by public transportation (i.e. they are affected by the availability of fare-free bus transportation starting from October 2019) and (ii) women who avoid public transportation due to social barriers (i.e. they are not affected by transportation policy). The evaluation strategy relies on the difference-in-differences methodology and survey data analysis.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.

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