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November 18, 2024 | 12:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Free public transportation is increasingly being implemented by several countries as part of efforts to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and improve accessibility for residents. This policy not only provides environmental benefits but also helps alleviate the economic burden on society, especially amidst rising living costs.
So, which cities in the world have successfully implemented free public transportation?
1. Luxembourg
In March 2020, Luxembourg drew the world's attention by implementing a free public transportation policy. This policy allows tourists to use buses, trains, and trams for free throughout the city, making it easier for them to explore various places at no cost. The public transportation network covers most important areas, making local travel more practical and efficient. Besides saving costs, using public transportation in Luxembourg is also an environmentally friendly choice.
2. Dunkirk and Aubagne, France
Dunkirk, a coastal city in northern France, has been offering free bus services to everyone since 2018. The bus network serves most areas, and is even reported to reach the Belgian border. With buses operating every 10 minutes, this service becomes a very practical alternative. In addition, in Aubagne, most residents use the local tram line known as the world's first fare-free tram system. Tourists can also enjoy this free service while in the city.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
In Tallinn, free public transportation is provided for registered residents. The program has been running since 2013 in the capital of Estonia. This system was introduced after the 2008 financial crisis when many financially challenged residents could no longer afford to use public transportation due to unaffordable fares. The main goal of this program is to help low-income residents by reducing their travel expenses, so they can break free from poverty. Registered residents can enjoy free trips using buses, trams, trains, and even ferries, while tourists are charged normal fees.
4. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The city of Cluj-Napoca in Romania offers free public transportation for its residents every Friday. This program, which includes bus, train, and tram services, is part of the Green Friday initiative launched by the mayor in 2021 and will continue until 2023. The aim of this program is to improve urban mobility and reduce negative effects on the environment. In 2021, the air quality monitor Airly reported that Cluj had the highest NO2 concentration in Europe. NO2 is a pollutant that can damage immune cells in the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections.
5. Avesta, Sweden
The city of Avesta in Sweden has provided free bus services since 2012. This is a quick and environmentally friendly solution for getting around the city. The free public transportation policy was introduced to encourage residents to use public transportation more and contribute to carbon emissions reduction.
6. Chambly, Canada
The suburban area of Chambly and other municipalities in South Shore Montreal have provided free public transportation for their residents since 2012. According to reports, this service is not only effective in reducing traffic congestion but also contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it encourages more people to use public transportation.
7. Dewsbury, United Kingdom
Since 2009, Dewsbury residents have been utilizing free public transportation. They use the FreeTownBus, a free bus service that stops at major shopping areas. This service, also known as the FreeCityBus, is available in other cities in West Yorkshire County.
8. Perth, Australia
This destination also provides free transportation services for its residents. However, the free bus service in Perth is only available in certain zones. Therefore, for those who want to take advantage of this service, they must start or end their journey in the designated zones, or they will be charged for the trip.
9. Clemson, United States
In South Carolina, the cities of Clemson, Clemson University, Pendleton, Central, and Seneca, along with the federal government and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, have collaborated to fund the Clemson Area Transit, better known as the CAT Bus. This service started operating in 1996 and covers eight routes.
10. Samokov, Bulgaria
This free public transportation service was first launched in 2006 for seniors and students. According to reports, this service was then expanded in 2008 to include all public transportation users in the city of Samokov. If the reports are accurate, the city of Samokov covers all operational costs for this transportation service.
11. Mariehamn, Finland
This city is the capital of Åland, an autonomous island that is part of the Republic of Finland. According to reports, the municipality of Mariehamn provides free public transportation for residents and visitors. This service is operated by the Röde Orm company, established in 2000.
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