From Sunday 1 March, Luxembourg will become the first country in the world to make the entire transport network free of charge. Users will no longer need a ticket to board a bus, tram or train: the identity card will suffice. First class tickets will, however, remain chargeable at the current rate in order to avoid excessive crowds.
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The aim of this reform is to encourage Belgian cross-border workers to leave their cars at the border, as LCI recalls. At the same time, the Ministry of Public Transport of the Grand Duchy wishes to invest in parking lots located near the stations. The aim is to double the number of places within five years.
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As RTBF reports, free public transport was one of the flagship measures of the government's coalition agreement led by the liberal Xavier Bettel. It is expected to cost 41 million euros per year in Luxembourg and will be financed through taxes.
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