Estonia wants to become the first country with free public transport, nationwide
are on time, the trams are shiny and new, and passengers usually get a seat. In many cities that would be remarkable enough. But in Tallinn locals are also not required to buy a ticket. In 2013 it became the world’s first capital city to offer residents free public transport. Estonia as a whole has been following suit, and last year set the ambition of becoming the first country with free public transport nationwide. Buses are now free of charge in 11 of its 15 counties.
Tallinn’s city government came up with the idea of free transport after the 2008 financial crisis. Estonia was hit badly, and even though the city paid more than 70% of public-transport costs, ticket prices were still too high for poorer residents. Congestion had also become a problem. Since Estonia regained independence in 1991, car ownership rates have doubled.Opponents branded the idea populist and unaffordable.
Surprisingly, though, instead of collapsing, public transport has improved, despite a €12m hit to the system’s finances from lost ticket sales. Tallinn’s population has grown, leading to a boost in local tax intake. Additional revenue comes from tourists and non-Tallinn residents, who still have to buy tickets. The use of public transport in Tallinn has gone up by 10%, while the number of cars in the city centre has gone down by 10%, meaning less congestion.
Now other countries are looking at Estonia’s experience. Tallinn officials say they have had interest from local authorities in France, Sweden, Poland, Italy and Germany. Luxembourg is set to introduce free public transport in 2020. Other places have already introduced free public transport for certain groups or at certain times.
Free public transport on its own is not enough to stop people driving, though the evidence is that it helps. In Tallinn higher parking fees and reduced space for cars also played a part in cutting city-centre traffic: on-street parking now costs €6 an hour, and some parking spaces and car lanes have been replaced by bus lanes. Officials say providing a free alternative allowed them to avoid a backlash when driving in the capital was made more expensive and less convenient.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
The Czech Cyber Billionaire Who Built A Fortune On Free SoftwarePavel Baudis built a massive software company out of Czech communism's ashes. It's made him a billionaire and protected millions from cybercriminals.
Baca lebih lajut »
designer marvin desroc set himself free with his csm graduate collectionYoung menswear designer Marvin Desroc brought together all the different facets of his personality, channelled them through his MA collection and created something totally unique.
Baca lebih lajut »
The holiday essential you should never buy in duty-freeYou'll probably pay much more at the airport
Baca lebih lajut »
The toxin-free beauty shopping guideNo nasties here
Baca lebih lajut »
The Czech Cyber Billionaire Who Built A Fortune On Free SoftwarePavel Baudis built a massive software company out of Czech communism's ashes. It's made him a billionaire and protected millions from cybercriminals.
Baca lebih lajut »
How This Student Made $80,000 Per Year In College And Graduated Debt FreeAlexis Schroeder was able to earn upwards of $80,000 per year while a college student and paid off her student loans on the day she graduated.
Baca lebih lajut »