On 1st March 2020, Luxembourg (once again) made history. If you haven't heard yet, from this date, the Grand Duchy became the first country in the world to offer free public transport across its entire territory. Bus, train, tram... regardless of the chosen means of public transport, passengers no longer need to provide a travel ticket. A real economic and environmental measure in perspective. But who will truly benefit from it?
What are the conditions?
Since March 2020, all national buses, trams, and trains have been accessible free of charge every day, without the need for a ticket. However, it is important to note that first-class travel (single tickets or subscriptions) has not changed or been discounted. Additionally, if you purchased your ticket before 1st March for a journey after this date, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Who will benefit from this measure?
First and foremost, Luxembourg residents! Whether for their daily commutes, weekend outings, or trips within the country, they are the primary beneficiaries of this measure, which aims to ease traffic congestion.
Secondly, cross-border workers: thanks to free public transport in Luxembourg, they have seen a significant reduction in the cost of their monthly and annual subscriptions depending on their place of residence. For example, the price of a monthly train pass from Metz has decreased from €140 to €100.50 since March 2020 for those over 26 years old. If you are under 26, you now only pay €62.60, a difference of nearly €80. Another example: from the city of Trier in Germany, the monthly train subscription has dropped from €88 to €49, resulting in €39 in savings!
Moreover, both Luxembourgish and cross-border motorists will also benefit from this initiative, as it is expected to reduce the number of cars on the roads leading to Luxembourg every day.
Finally, Luxembourg-based businesses! Still too often stereotyped as a tax haven or a country with nothing to do apart from work, Luxembourg struggles to attract new residents and, therefore, new talent. Thanks to a measure like this, countries worldwide are taking an interest in the Grand Duchy, which greatly enhances its international image. Companies based in Luxembourg will likely see their talent searches and recruitment processes facilitated in the near future.
Free public transport: the miracle solution to mobility issues?
Through such initiatives, the country hopes to improve travel conditions for its cross-border workers. However, Luxembourg’s Minister for Transport, François Bausch, warns that free public transport alone will not solve all mobility issues:
“What will solve the problem is investment in public transport infrastructure, ensuring it is top-notch. That is what will change people’s mobility.”
In a press conference at the end of January 2020, he had already stated: “We are well aware that free public transport is not the miracle solution that will convince all users to switch to public transport. But it is the cherry on top of our strategy and investments.”
A strategy that offers a reassuring future for passengers. Indeed, both the Grand Duchy and its neighbouring countries have every reason to continue investing in transport, especially considering that more than 200,000 cross-border workers travel to Luxembourg for work every day!
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