Free public transportation is a concept that has gained traction in recent years, with several cities and countries experimenting with the idea. For example, from 01 January 2023, residents of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are allowed to use buses and trains free of charge. The basic idea behind free public transportation is that it should be provided as a basic right to all citizens, just like access to clean water and air. The goal is to make transportation more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially for those who are economically disadvantaged.
One of the most notable examples of free public transportation is Luxemburg which is proud of being the first country in the world to offer free public transportation for all nationwide.
Another remarkable example of extremely cheap public transportation is Germany’s “9 Euro ticket” initiative. Like in many places in the world it’s subsidised by the municipality and the state. The initiative, which was launched in 2019, allows residents of participating cities to purchase a monthly pass for 9 Euros. The pass allows them to use all forms of public transportation in their city, including buses, trains, and trams. The program has been successful in increasing ridership and reducing congestion on the roads. About 52 Million people of 83 Million residents in Germany used the offer and bought a “9 Euro ticket”. The operator of the public train transport “Deutsche Bahn” informed that every fifth 9-Euro-Ticket user has discovered the public transport for himself anew.
The reasoning behind this initiative is that it can have a positive impact on the environment, by reducing the number of cars on the road and encouraging more people to use public transportation. It can also help to reduce social inequality, by making it easier for low-income individuals to access jobs and services. Additionally, it can help to stimulate economic growth by making it easier for people to travel to work and for businesses to attract employees.
However, there are some challenges that come with implementing free public transportation. One of the main challenges is funding. Providing free public transportation requires a significant amount of money, which can be difficult to come by. Additionally, there may be concerns about overcrowding and a lack of resources to meet the increased demand.
Enroute is a company that also contributes to this goal of free public transportation and solved the problem of funding mentioned above by offering a loyalty or cashback system which enables users to ride for free once they shop from Enroute’s broad range of affiliate retailers. This innovative approach encourages users to make use of the public transportation system, which ultimately helps to reduce traffic and pollution. This loyalty system also benefits both the users and the affiliate retailers, as it creates a win-win situation for all parties involved.
In conclusion, free public transportation is an idea that has the potential to make a real impact on the lives of people, the environment, and the economy. Luxemburg’s free public transportation, Germany’s “9 Euro ticket” initiative and Enroute’s loyalty system are great examples of how it can be implemented successfully. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of free public transportation are undeniable and worth considering for future policy.