In recent years, one European city has emerged as an example of how promoting public transport can transform urban life. It’s about Luxembourg, located in the heart of Europe. By offering free public transport for everyone, it has become a reference for other cities.
Unlike what we are used to in Brazil and many other places, Luxembourg has opted for a completely different approach. About three years ago, those responsible decided to make local public transport available to all citizens free of charge.
This bold decision encouraged thousands of people to leave their cars in garages and opt for the subway, buses and other modes of transportation. The result was a significant change in the daily lives of the population.
Traffic, which used to be a problem, is now less of a problem. The streets are less congested, making it easier to get around the city.
A great incentive for the population
While some people still prefer to maintain their lifestyle by using private cars, it is undeniable that free public transport in Luxembourg has become an attractive and practical alternative. People have more freedom of choice and flexibility when using different modes of transport.
Logically, thanks to such an attitude, there is also not so much aggression towards the environment. In addition, free public transport offers greater social inclusion and enables people from different socioeconomic backgrounds to have equal access to mobility.
Read below an excerpt mentioned by the current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility, Public Works and Defense of Luxembourg, François Bausch.
“The quality of public transport must change fundamentally. [No entanto] there is no magic wand. It’s not just one mode of transport that’s going to solve all our problems, but we really need to be multimodal, we need to combine them.” He went on to add, “You shouldn’t argue against something, you should argue for something.” I don’t do politics against cars, but for a different mobility system in which the car has its place.”