SUSTAINABILITY OF THE FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODEL IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

The significance of this work is multifaceted, reflecting a wide range of potential impacts that free public transportation could have on society, the environment, and urban fabric. Delving into this topic, the research aims to clarify the potential transformative power of free public transportation, offering a clear understanding that could inform policy, planning, and social perspectives. From a social standpoint, the work is crucial in exploring how free public transportation can improve accessibility and mobility for all segments of society, particularly benefiting those in lower socio-economic strata. It highlights the potential for such a policy to act as an equalizer in urban societies, reducing disparities in mobility access and, more broadly, social and economic opportunities. By facilitating a more inclusive urban mobility realm, free public transportation could play a key role in promoting social cohesion and equality. From an ecological perspective, research on free public transportation is at the centre of contemporary discussions on sustainable urban development and environmental concerns. This work seeks to illuminate the ecological benefits of increased public transportation usage, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. By offering a systematic analysis of these aspects, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how urban mobility innovations can align with environmental sustainability goals, in line with global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In an urban context, the significance of the work is anchored in its potential to inform urban planning and policy. It examines the implications of free public transportation on urban infrastructure, land use, and overall urban quality of life. The research explores how such a policy could impact urban form, potentially leading to more compact, efficient cities conducive to living. Furthermore, it addresses the operational and strategic dimensions of implementing free public transportation, providing insight into its feasibility and integration into broader urban mobility strategies. Ultimately, the work aims to offer a comprehensive and empirically grounded analysis that clarifies the potential benefits and challenges of free public transportation. It seeks to contribute valuable knowledge to the academic field, support informed policy-making, and stimulate public discourse on sustainable solutions for urban mobility in Croatia and beyond. As a basis for the work, secondary data were used, that is, a literature review of existing research.