Luxembourg launches free public transport to France

The measure is intended to entice cross-border commuters to leave their cars behind

Luxembourg authorities announced the launch of a pilot project that aims to provide free public transport service for cross border-workers. The date is set for 31 January and the project will run for six months. It will link Roussy-le-Village, a small community in France, located 5 kilometres from the border with the 323 bus line in Luxembourg City.

One of the most compelling points of this new development is that the new connection will be free like all other public transport in the Grand Duchy.

Reducing car dependency with attractive public transport

According to 2019 data from Eurostat, Luxembourg is the most car-owning country in the European Union, with 681 cars per 1,000 inhabitants. Furthermore, according to Statec, the Luxembourgish national statistical agency, nine out of ten Luxembourgers own a car.

At the same time, during rush hour, thousands of people flood the country, as cross-border workers start their commute. Living in neighbouring France, Belgium and Germany is a popular way to find affordable housing since the Grand Duchy is famous for its eye-watering real-estate prices. In fact, according to estimates from 2021, nearly 70,000 Luxembourgers have left the country in search of affordable housing.

Naturally, daily rush hour on motorways in and around the borders is immense, and according to the Ministry of Mobility, puts a considerable constraint on both the environment and on worker productivity.

This is why in March 2020, they decided to make all public transport in Luxembourg free, while cross border fares were reduced. According to François Bausch, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Mobility and Public Works, the free public transport offer would entice the public into abandoning their cars.

Now, the government is aiming to increase the incentives by offering the pilot free line, linking Roussy-le-Village’s Park and Ride area with Luxembourg City. The project will run for six months and attempt to assess the benefits of the move for both the bus line and the affected communities.