Luxembourg becomes first country to provide free nationwide public transport

Is this the way of the future? 

Luxembourg has become the first country in the world to provide free public transport, abolishing fares for trams, trains and buses entirely at the end of February. 

The free fares are for everyone in the country – both visitors and residents. 

The free transport service is part of a wider scheme aimed at getting 20 per cent more people on public transport by 2025 and to reduce the number of cars on the road by 15 per cent. 

The country’s transport system costs $835m to run, and fare revenue accounts for just $68m, but the government has decided that it’s a revenue hit it’s willing to take in order to reap the benefits. 

It’s being reported that existing staff won’t lose their jobs either – they’ll now be focused on passenger service and safety rather than checking tickets.

Click here to read the full article. And don’t forget to tell us what you think in the comments below. Is this the way of the future for Australia?