In order to ease traffic congestion, advance environmental sustainability, and improve accessibility for all locals and visitors, this effort was put into action in March 2020.
With 670 automobiles per 1,000 persons prior to the introduction of free public transportation, Luxembourg had one of the highest rates of car ownership in Europe. Due to the enormous traffic congestion that resulted, the environment and the quality of life for locals were negatively impacted. Nevertheless, just 20% of the population frequently used public transportation, making it underutilized.
The courageous choice by the Luxembourg government to provide free public transportation to all citizens and visitors was made in response to these issues. The government provided funding for this effort, allocating €41 million annually to pay the expense of public transportation.
This program has produced some outstanding results. The use of private vehicles has fallen by 11% while the number of people using free public transportation has climbed by 25%. Because of this, there is less traffic congestion and air pollution, which benefits the environment and locals' health.
Also, regardless of household income, all citizens now have easier access to mobility thanks to free public transportation. As a result, persons who previously couldn't afford to use public transportation can now do so for free, which has a good effect on social inclusion.
Several towns and nations have adopted such regulations as a result of the success of Luxembourg's free public transportation policy. For instance, Tallinn in Estonia and several other European cities, including Dunkirk in France, have introduced free public transportation programs for their citizens.
It is appropriate to celebrate Luxembourg's third year of providing free public transportation because it shows the efficacy of bold measures that put accessibility, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability first.
Inspiring other cities and nations to imitate it, the program has demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a more equal and sustainable transportation system.
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