From 16 to 22 September, passengers will be able to travel on national bus, train and tram lines free of charge. The offer comes following an agreement with the mobility ministry and Luxembourg City.  

European Mobility Week is an annual campaign aimed at improving health and quality of life through the promotion of clean mobility and sustainable urban transport. Founded in 2002, this year’s theme is “Safe Walking and Cycling”.

According to the campaign material, cyclists live on average two years longer than non-cyclists and take 15% fewer days off work through illness. The site also says that 25 minutes of brisk walking a day can extend a person’s life by up to seven years.

The week of free public transport will be a taste of things to come in Luxembourg. Starting 1 March, 2020, all public transport in the country will be free of charge as part of the government’s bid to decrease reliance on private car use. The measure will cost the government some €41m annually in lost revenues, a shortfall that is expected to be made up elsewhere through taxes.

Controversially, people with reduced mobility using the Adapto transport service will still have to pay for transport, a situation which is being contested in public petition 1329.