Equal access to mobility: see how Luxembourg is transforming urban life with free public transport

In recent years, one European city has stood out as an example of how encouraging public transport can transform urban life. It is Luxembourglocated in the heart of Europe. With free public transport for everyone, it has become a reference for other cities.

Unlike what we are used to seeing in Brazil and many other places, Luxembourg opted for a radically different approach. About three years ago, its leaders decided to make public transport available free of charge to all citizens.

This bold decision encouraged thousands of people to leave their cars in garages and opt for the subway, buses and other forms of transportation. The result was a significant change in people’s daily lives.

Additionally, traffic, which used to be a problem, is now less of a concern. The streets are less congested, making it easier to get around the city.

A great incentive for the population

Although some people still prefer to maintain their lifestyle by using their own 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 to use different means of transport.

Logically, thanks to this attitude, there is also less harm to the environment. Furthermore, free public transport allows for greater social inclusion, allowing people of different socioeconomic levels to have equal access to mobility.

Read an excerpt mentioned by current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mobility, Public Works and Defence of Luxembourg, François Bausch, below.

“The quality of public transport needs to change completely. [No entanto] There is no magic wand. It is not just one mode of transport that will solve all our problems, but we must be truly multimodal, we have to mix them.” He further added the following: “You shouldn’t argue against something, but for something. I don’t make policies against cars, but for another mobility system in which the car has its place.”