Six years after Luxembourg became the first country in the world to introduce nationwide fare-free public transport, new evidence shows a mixed picture. Free buses, trams and trains have strengthened access to work, education, culture, leisure and social activities, with particularly strong benefits for younger adults, students, unemployed people, lower-income households and families with children.
However, the policy has not fundamentally changed car dependency. Public transport use has increased, but it is often being added to existing mobility habits rather than replacing car journeys. The study also finds little evidence of major harm to walking or overall service quality, although comfort, cleanliness and safety require continued attention.
The policy brief concludes that free fares should be maintained for their social value, while stronger action on congestion and emissions will require an integrated mobility strategy combining public transport investment with measures addressing car use.
