Luxembourg (the first city with free public transport)
While in England, councils, town planners and transport officials fight it out over how much to charge people to use the bus and train, in Luxembourg, it has become the first country in the world to offer free public transport (like us, it’s a country with high car ownership).
People (and their pets) can travel for free on all buses, trains and trams, an idea designed to discourage unnecessary car use and reduce traffic congestion and road repairs.
All travel is ticketless (first-class travel still requires a paid ticket, which helps to fund the service). People travelling over the border have to buy tickets from when they leave Luxembourg. And users must show valid ID to conductors, if requested (although the service is free to non-residents and people of any nationality).
In Luxembourg, the National Roads Authority runs overnight checks, to ensure roads are in good order (then staff are paid overtime to mend potholes at night).
Where is Luxembourg?
One of the world’s smallest (you can drive across it in less than an hour) and richest countries, it’s sandwiched between France, Belgium and Germany in western Europe. Most people speak Luxembourgish, German and French:
Tipptopp (Luxembourgish for ‘excellent or great!’
Know for its castles and wine, let’s hope Trump doesn’t want it, as it’s national motto is Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn.
This is also one of the world’s safest countries. There are only three jails – and the cells are mostly empty.
