Free Public Transportation on Market Days: Enhancing Urban Mobility and Sustainability in Mid-Sized Cities

Public transportation plays a vital role in the development of mid-sized cities, significantly impacting urban mobility, economic growth, and overall quality of life. This article explores the potential benefits of implementing a free public transport system on designated market days, focusing on its economic, social, and environmental advantages. The proposed initiative aims to improve access to markets, encourage the use of public transportation, and reduce reliance on private vehicles, contributing to the reduction of traffic congestion and CO2 emissions. The study incorporates data science and machine learning methodologies, with an emphasis on time series analysis, to forecast key metrics such as passenger demand, vehicle circulation, and pollutant emissions. These predictive models also evaluate the financial implications of the initiative, accounting for operational expenses including depreciation, staffing, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs. By assessing both the short-term and long-term impacts, we demonstrate that free transport policies can optimize the efficiency of the transportation system, lower operational costs over time, and contribute to improved air quality. In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, this initiative has the potential to provide significant social value by increasing accessibility to commercial areas, services, and public spaces. It can stimulate local economies by enhancing consumer access to markets and promoting local business activities.