Luxembourg becomes the first country in the world to make public transport free

Luxembourg is set to become the first country in the world to make all its public transport free. Fares on trains, trams and buses will be lifted. This policy will be started in 2020. Public transport was already free for senior citizens. Making Transport free will encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public mode of transport. Luxembourg is a small country but it has some of the worst traffic congestion in the world.

The Idea Behind Implementing this policy.

So, the main question arises why do they want to bring this huge change to the system. Luxembourg is home to about 110,000 people, but a further 400,000 commute into the city from Belgium, Germany and from France to work in this country. People living in Belgium, Germany and in France cross the border everyday to work in Luxembourg. So the average traffic increases to five times due to the commuters entering in the country. A study suggested that drivers in the capital spent an average of 33 hours in traffic jam in 2016. So by doing this government is trying to reduce traffic problem and it will also help in reducing air pollution.

After this Luxembourg's transport ministry said it cost 491 million euros a year to run public transport, and with the sales of ticket they make 40 million euros. 

Luxembourg has increasingly shown a progressive attitude to transport. This summer, the government brought in free transport for every child and young person under the age of 20. Secondary school students can use free shuttles between their institution and their home. Commuters need only pay €2 (£1.78) for up to two hours of travel, which in a country of just 999 sq miles (2,590 sq km) covers almost all journeys.