Free public transport must be a great idea, right?

It’ll get people out of their cars and helps low income families with the cost of living.

I hate to be a party pooper, but it’s a thoroughly bad idea.

Here’s why.

There is a consensus that rail fares are too complex.

There is a lot of truth to this but it’s nuanced.

It’s very important we understand this nuance otherwise we’re in danger of fixing the wrong things.

The problem isn’t exactly complexity, the problems are cognitive effort, jeopardy and arbitrariness.

Let me explain by means of a visit to Boots.