Luxembourg: The First Country to Offer Free Public Transport
In a world where public transport usually comes with a cost, Luxembourg stands out as a remarkable exception. This European country made history by becoming the first in the world to make all public transport—ranging from buses and trams to trains—completely free.
### **The Revolutionary Step in 2020**
In 2020, Luxembourg implemented a bold initiative by removing fare charges on all public transport across its cities and towns. This move made Luxembourg the first country globally to offer free public transport on such a large scale. Interestingly, Luxembourg is also known for being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, based on per capita income.
This program has now been running for over four years, and it is widely praised by both residents and foreign tourists, who no longer need to worry about purchasing tickets for their daily commute.
### **Why Free Public Transport?**
The decision to introduce free public transport was driven by multiple factors. One major reason was the overwhelming number of private vehicles on the roads. In 2020, for every 1,000 people in Luxembourg, there were 696 vehicles. This high car ownership led to frequent traffic congestion.
Another key motivation was to tackle the growing problem of air pollution. Luxembourg, with a population of less than 700,000, saw a significant reduction in air pollution levels following the introduction of free public transport. The move encouraged people to leave their cars behind and make use of the efficient and free transport system, which helped lower vehicle emissions and traffic jams.
### **How Does Luxembourg Fund Free Transport?**
While the government covers the costs of the free transport program, the funding comes from taxes paid by residents. Prior to the program’s introduction, ticket sales generated around **410 million euros** annually for public transport. According to Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister **François Bausch**, the overall cost of the public transport system is about **500 million euros**. However, this is fully supported by taxpayer money.
### **What About First-Class Travel?**
Although public transport is free for all regular passengers, those wishing to travel in first-class compartments on trains must still purchase a ticket. This ensures that those who prefer more luxurious travel experiences contribute to the system’s sustainability.
### **A Model for Other Countries**
Luxembourg’s experiment with free public transport has proven to be a success. Not only has it reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality, but it has also helped reduce transportation costs for the country’s residents. Many people now opt for public transport rather than driving, leading to significant savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
In fact, another European country, **Malta**, followed Luxembourg’s example by introducing free public transport for its citizens in October 2022, further highlighting the growing trend of free public transportation.
### **A Vision for the Future**
The Luxembourg government continues to invest heavily in improving its transport infrastructure, with record investments being made to upgrade tram and rail networks. By reducing the burden of transport costs, Luxembourg hopes to set a precedent for other countries to follow, demonstrating that free public transport is not only possible but also beneficial for the environment, economy, and public health.
In conclusion, Luxembourg’s decision to offer free public transport has proven to be a pioneering step in the right direction, addressing congestion, pollution, and affordability issues. It serves as a model for countries worldwide looking to adopt sustainable transportation solutions.
