Belgrade Becomes Europe’s Largest City with Free Public Transport
As of January 1, Serbia’s capital has become the first city in Europe with a population exceeding 500,000 to introduce entirely free public transport across buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
What You Need to Know
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Free Travel for Everyone:
- Free public transport is available to both local residents and tourists.
- The initiative covers all urban transport types: buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
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Why Did Belgrade Take This Step?
- The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs for citizens.
- Authorities hope to encourage less reliance on private vehicles, easing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
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Economic Considerations:
- The loss of fare revenue is offset by increased city budget revenues from tourism and business taxes.
- Experts predict the move will attract more tourists to Belgrade.
Belgrade Compared to Other Cities
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Other Examples:
- Luxembourg introduced free transport nationwide, but the country’s population is only around 640,000. Belgrade, with over 1.7 million residents, now holds the title as the largest city to adopt such a policy.
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Global Context:
- Free public transport has shown positive results in smaller cities. Belgrade’s example may serve as a model for other large cities.
Benefits for the City
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduced carbon emissions due to less car use.
- Convenience:
- Eliminates ticketing bureaucracy and fare enforcement issues.
- Tourism:
- Attracts more tourists, offering free transport as a significant perk.
Conclusion
Belgrade has set a pioneering example for Europe’s large cities by implementing free public transport. If successful, this initiative could inspire other metropolises to follow suit, making urban transport accessible to all.
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