February 29, 2020
Image source, Government of Luxembourg
It’s been months of hype and now free public transportation has begun in Luxembourg.
With a population of only 614 thousand people, it may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, and the idea is not new.
But the “Free Mobility” campaign has captured the imagination. Buses, trams and trains are now free to ride and you don’t need a ticket.
One goal is to ease traffic congestion, but critics see this as a public relations stunt.
“The government wants Luxembourg to become a laboratory for mobility,” says Transport Minister François Bausch, who points to the Grand Duchy’s rapid population growth, with a 40% rise in 20 years.
About 200,000 workers – nearly half of Luxembourg’s workforce – move from Belgium, France and Germany, attracted by high salaries and a rich economy.
Image source, Government of Luxembourg
The big day is celebrated on Saturday with concerts at four train stations and many other events.
Markus Hesse, a professor of urban studies at the University of Luxembourg, says the “glamor” they have organized is the wrong solution to a complex problem.
One question is whether free public transportation will truly be free.
What is the cost?
Transport travel will be free for residents and visitors alike, with the exception of first-class train passengers.
The project will be priced at €41 million (£35 million; $44 million) in lost ticket prices, but will be borne by taxpayers. “Of course, just because I call it free transport, doesn’t mean no one pays,” said Bausch, a member of Luxembourg’s Green Party, De Grainge.
The total cost of running the service is more than €500 million, so the government believes the lost fare revenue is relatively small. Transport employees will not lose their jobs, they will also spend less time checking tickets.
It wasn’t quite that expensive before February 29th. The fare costs 2 euros, double for a day ticket. Many workers get their annual travel permits subsidized in Luxembourg, so few people spend much on transportation anyway.
Why do I do that?
The government has several reasons:
What’s not to like?
Luxembourg has a terrible traffic problem. Main roads are crowded at rush hour, buses are outdated, and the rail system is notorious for delays.
Diesel and petrol costs are cheap in Luxembourg, compared to its neighbours, so it’s not just that many commuters from neighboring countries drive to work. But “fuel tourists” cross the border to fill their tanks.
Free public transport wouldn’t really address the car problem, according to Professor Hess, because Luxembourg has “high salaries and low petrol prices, so people buy cars”.
Many of those traveling from neighboring countries live in areas without decent public transport, so it is believed they will continue to drive. Luxembourg residents who currently use bicycles can now get off their bikes to enjoy free travel as well.
He also believes the government chose the wrong moment.
Image source, Luxtram/Government of Luxembourg
The new tram network is being expanded, and money is going to the train and bus system, but it will take time, he says.
“They are investing a lot, and while the whole system is being fixed, the delays are actually increasing, because they are working on tracks that are trying to fix it.”
Will Luxembourg’s infrastructure improve?
One of the main goals is to improve public transport, with a promise of nearly €4 billion for trains between 2018 and 2027.
The government estimates that the number of transport users will rise by 20% over the next five years and that the expansion of the tram and bus network will be able to cope with this.
Luxembourg spends more of its economic output on transport than most other European countries, at €600 per year per person.
Critics complain that the scheme will not address the housing shortage, which has forced thousands of Luxembourg residents to migrate outside the country’s borders while keeping their jobs.
Who else does free transportation?
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, introduced free public transportation in 2013 but only for residents. She has not ruled out expanding the scheme to include non-residents, but does not want to pay the extra €20 million it would cost.
The northern French city of Dunkirk (population: 200,000) also introduced free travel in 2018 and praised the significant increase in bus ridership. It was such a success that it caught the attention of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. As part of her mayoral campaign pledge, she wants to offer free travel to under-18s. I have previously floated the idea of providing free transport to all Parisians, but this would amount to around €500 per family, which is widely seen as too expensive.
