Luxembourg Celebrates 5 Years of Free Public Transport

Saturday 1 March 2025 marked the fifth anniversary of the introduction of free public transport throughout Luxembourg.

On 1 March 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to offer completely free public transport (with the exception of first class on trains). As reported by the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, this measure generated a wide response in the international press and is one of the best-known aspects of the country. The press release also noted that visitors are enthusiastic about it, while residents appreciate its comfort and not having to worry about purchasing a ticket before travelling. Beyond free transport, the ministry added that the key to making public transport more attractive is the continued investment in a high-quality multimodal offer that meets the population’s daily mobility needs.

The ministry said Luxembourg's public transport has made significant progress, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that began two weeks after the introduction of the free transport.

The rail network is reported to have shown significant development, with an increase in passenger numbers from 25 million in 2019 to 31.3 million in 2024. Meanwhile, passenger numbers on the tramway are reported to have increased from 6.2 million passengers in 2019 to 31.7 million in 2024. This increase is due in part by the free public transport but is also due to the growing attractiveness of the tram, reinforced by the successive extensions of the line - the most recent being the extension to Luxembourg Airport in Findel, which was inaugurated on Sunday 2 March 2025.

The ministry continued by stating that free public transport reduces household budgets and promotes sustainable mobility. By eliminating travel costs, the government encourages residents, cross-border workers and tourists to use public transport, thereby reducing dependence on cars, traffic jams and polluting emissions. This initiative is reported to be part of a multimodal mobility strategy combining investments and service improvement.

The ministry confirmed that free public transport is accompanied by substantial and constantly increasing investments to improve and develop transport infrastructure. The extension of the rail network, the expansion of the tramway and the modernisation of road infrastructure are said to guarantee a quality service. This policy aims to offer a credible and attractive alternative to the car, without compromising on the performance and comfort of users.

The press release also mentioned the new tramway lines to be built in Luxembourg City, notably the K2A projects in Kirchberg, Route d’Esch, Route d’Arlon and in Hollerich. Work on a fast tram, linking Luxembourg to the south of the country, is continuing. Ongoing development of the rail network is expected, with an increase in capacity to ensure more frequent, punctual and reliable trains. The bus transport is expected to be optimised, particularly in rural areas, with increased frequencies on regional lines serving stations. Express lines are anticipated to be strengthened to reduce journey times and improve the fluidity of travel. Wi-Fi is due to be gradually rolled out on buses and trains. A real-time bus information system is planned to complement these improvements, allowing travellers to optimise their journeys based on traffic and updated timetables. The ministry added that particular attention will be paid to intermodality. It is planned to optimise the multimodal experience through the modernisation of stations, interchanges and public transport stops, thus facilitating connections and making travel simpler and more efficient.

In order to better understand the evolution of transport behaviours and to adapt public policies as best as possible, the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works has launched the Luxmobil 2025 survey. This national survey on mobility is expected to collect precise data on the daily travel of Luxembourg residents. Surveys conducted, using the same methodology in the Greater Region, will also provide a better understanding of the mobility needs of cross-border workers. The information collected is expected to serve as a basis for the development of the National Mobility Plan 2040, thus guiding future decisions on the development, optimisation of infrastructure and development of transport services in order to respond to the needs of the population and to continue the transition towards more sustainable mobility.

Luxembourg's Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, emphasised: "Five years after its launch, free public transport has proven to be much more than a symbol: it is a concrete measure that improves the quality of life of residents, it is a factor of attractiveness and reinforces our commitment to sustainable and inclusive mobility. We will continue to invest to make our infrastructure even more efficient."

HOM