Lisbon justifies the decision on the grounds that it is expected to prevent climate change and reduce the damage caused by rising fuel prices.
Petri Burtsoff,
Erja Tuomaala
Lisbon is trying to get people into public transport by offering free travel for seniors, students and young people.
The Portuguese capital is home to about half a million people.
– This is a historic moment. It is important that Lisbon rises to the champions’ league in the fight against climate change, Mayor Carlos Moedas said said after the city government had decided unanimously.
Moedas said he was modeling on other European cities.
In Tallinn, public transport has been free of charge for city residents since January 2013.
In Luxembourg, public transport is free throughout the country for both residents and tourists. Malta will follow Luxembourg’s example in October this year.
In London, on the other hand, public transport is free for children and pensioners.
In Lisbon, free journeys by metro, bus and several rail lines apply to students under the age of 18, students under the age of 23 and those over the age of 65.
The new practice is estimated to cost € 15 million. Free trips are scheduled to begin in the summer.
Moedas hopes other Portuguese cities will follow suit. According to him, making public transport free of charge will help the poor, especially those suffering from high fuel prices.