France is one of the countries where the phenomenon of fare-free public transport is most active, particularly in Europe. This public policy has given rise to controversy over its environmental, social and urban effects. This article offers a different way of discussing the phenomenon. It paints a picture of the phenomenon and then traces its origins back to the emergence of urban crises that began in the 1970s. Finally, it looks back at the major issues associated with this policy, showing that they reflect questions facing cities more widely today.