Fare

A fare is the fee paid by a passenger for the use of a public transport service, including rail, bus, taxi, and other forms of transport. In air travel, the term airfare is commonly used.

A fare structure refers to the system used to determine how much passengers pay, based on factors such as distance travelled, time of day, or service type. Many systems also define a linked trip, meaning a journey from origin to destination that may include transfers but is treated as a single trip for fare purposes.

Purpose and payment

Fares contribute to the operational costs of transport systems. In publicly funded systems, fares typically cover only part of total costs, while in some privately operated or highly efficient systems, they may cover most or all expenses. The proportion of costs recovered through fares is known as the farebox recovery ratio.

Fare collection methods vary depending on the system. In most rail and bus networks, fares are paid in advance of boarding or at entry points. In contrast, taxis and other vehicles for hire usually charge fares at the end of the journey, when the total distance or time is known.

Some systems operate hybrid models, requiring a minimum fare upfront and adjusting the final cost based on distance travelled. Many networks also allow free transfers within a defined time period or geographic area, enabling passengers to complete a journey using multiple routes without paying additional fares.

Passengers travelling without valid tickets may be subject to penalty fares or fines. In the United Kingdom, train operating companies such as South Western Railway and Southern employ revenue protection inspectors who can issue penalty fares. As of 2023, the minimum penalty is £20 or twice the single fare for the journey, whichever is greater.^[1]

Types of fare structures

Public transport fares are typically organised using one or more of the following structures:

Flat fare

A flat fare charges a fixed price regardless of distance travelled. For example, the Los Angeles Metro charges a standard fare for a single ride across its network.^[2] Flat fares may also allow unlimited travel within a set time period, such as 90 minutes or a day.

Zone-based fare

In zone-based systems, the fare depends on the number of geographic zones crossed during a journey. Examples include the London Underground ticketing system and integrated transport systems such as the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg.

Distance-based fare

Distance-based fares are calculated according to the length of the journey. These systems often require passengers to tap in and out or use an exit fare system to determine the correct charge. Examples include the Beijing Subway and BART in San Francisco.

Transfer-based fare

Transfer-based systems adjust fares based on previous journeys, allowing discounted or free transfers within a defined time window or route combination.

Subscription fare

Subscription fares provide unlimited or discounted travel over a fixed period, such as weekly, monthly, or annual passes.

Variable fare

Variable fares change based on demand, time of booking, or service conditions. This is common in long-distance transport such as airlines and high-speed rail. Examples include airline ticketing and services such as Eurostar.

Farebox

A farebox is a device used to collect fares on buses, trams, and some rail systems, typically at the point of entry. It reduces the need for onboard conductors and helps automate fare collection.

The first farebox was invented by Tom Loftin Johnson in 1880.^[3] Early models accepted coins and mechanically recorded payments. Later versions introduced counting mechanisms, and modern fareboxes can accept multiple payment methods including cash, credit cards, and smart cards.

Modern systems also improve security by storing cash in sealed compartments inaccessible to drivers, reducing the risk of theft or fraud.