Revolution in Luxembourg
Feb 24, 2020 15:12:55 GMT
Post by kerouac2 on Feb 24, 2020 15:12:55 GMT
No, Grand Duke Henri has not been overthrown but as of March 1st, Luxembourg is doing something that no other country has ever done -- all public transport in the country becomes free. Buses, trams and the train network will operate with no need for a ticket. All of the ticket machines and ticket validation machines will be removed during the month of March. The ticket checkers and sellers will become information and assistance agents.
Yes, but what about…? You are absolutely correct -- you will still need to buy a ticket for any train that crosses the border into Belgium, France or Germany. However, Luxembourg has negotiated with the other countries to ensure that ticket fares will be lowered for these trains. Also, 1st class on domestic trains will also require a paid ticket, not that I can imagine anyone needing to ride in 1st class in such a small country. (The press release said something about certain people requiring a calmer environment.)
This all means an annual loss in ticket revenue of 41 million euros, which will be financed by the taxpayers. Nobody seems to be complaining. No that isn't true -- people who use their cars all the time are unhappy. ("We don't want to save money, we want to save time! The government should eliminate traffic jams instead." -- I find this comment particularly stupid because if more people use public transportation, there will be fewer traffic jams.)
Anyway, we'll hear soon enough whether this is working or not.
Yes, but what about…? You are absolutely correct -- you will still need to buy a ticket for any train that crosses the border into Belgium, France or Germany. However, Luxembourg has negotiated with the other countries to ensure that ticket fares will be lowered for these trains. Also, 1st class on domestic trains will also require a paid ticket, not that I can imagine anyone needing to ride in 1st class in such a small country. (The press release said something about certain people requiring a calmer environment.)
This all means an annual loss in ticket revenue of 41 million euros, which will be financed by the taxpayers. Nobody seems to be complaining. No that isn't true -- people who use their cars all the time are unhappy. ("We don't want to save money, we want to save time! The government should eliminate traffic jams instead." -- I find this comment particularly stupid because if more people use public transportation, there will be fewer traffic jams.)
Anyway, we'll hear soon enough whether this is working or not.
