Luxembourg : all publics transport free

What are the reasons that led the government to this measure ? 

Already free for children under 20 and students (mkaart holder), free transport for all will start on 1 March 2020.

The main objective put forward by the government invokes a “social measure”. Indeed, the wish would be to reduce inequalities facilitating access to transport for all, especially for the smallest budgets.

But encouraging the privileged use of public transport also reflects environmental and practical considerations.

Luxembourg is one of the countries with the highest peak-hour traffic jams. A driver spends nearly an average of 33 hours per year in traffic jams. Giving the opportunity to travel free of charge by public transport can encourage you to leave your car. There are many advantages: reduce emissions, limit car expenses (fuel, mechanics, tires, etc.) and save time. But there are disadvantages such as: dependence on the network and schedules, lack of flexibility.

Similar services abroad

For the sceptics, many cities have already adopted free public transport. Nearly 110 public transport networks in the world, including 22 in France, which is the leading European country in this field. Example of Aubagne and Dunkerque, French cities where it is enough to say hello to the driver (politeness is important) and then to take a seat on the bus. In Aubagne, we have been travelling free of charge since 2009 and the measure is unanimously accepted by users, as proof that the number of visitors has tripled in less than 10 years. An example to follow. Paris is also studying the implementation of a similar solution.

In Estonia too, the model works well. However, you must be a resident and pay a “green card” at the price of…2€, not really free but almost.

In a nutshell, total or partial free access already exists, but no country has managed to nationalize the project so far.

For success to succeed, it is necessary to put in the resources

Difficult or not, the government will have to find a way to finance the project. Not only to offset revenues generated by subscriptions or tickets but also by investing in infrastructure development. P+R, new and better served lines to allow everyone to improve quality and travel time without too much time constraints, etc. New users’ habits must be changed by giving them a pleasant experience that makes them want to carry on.

Will that be enough ?

The project probably still needs to mature. Will there be limits to free access? Many cross-border commuters work daily in Luxembourg. Will they prefer public transport to cars?

In any case, this measure augurs well for a good progress in terms of mobility. We must change our attitude and adapt to traffic congestion, overabundance of traffic and emissions. The choice of car is not always the most relevant but probably the easiest. This measure should encourage the use of public transport. Recurrent, frequent or occasional use for more responsible mobility.