While complimentary public transport sounds like a utopian fantasy, it could become a reality. Glasgow City Council could soon start a free public transport trial for people aged 22 to 59, and we’re certain the community would massively welcome this. And can we just say it again, COMPLETELY FREE public transport!
The council’s hope for the initiative is to reduce carbon emissions – which goes in line with the Scottish Government’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2045 – as well as reduce inequality within Glasgow. The new trial would give 1,000 lucky people aged 22 – 59 a public transport pass valid for nine weeks. What is more, people outside of the age group mentioned already receive free bus travel across the city.
Each individual involved in the pilot would get a preloaded travel card for nine weeks, giving them access to buses, the Subway and local trains across Zones 1 and 2 in Glasgow.
However, while some funds have been given to start developing the initiative, the estimated cost of £250,000 to actually carry out the free public transport trial is yet to be confirmed and allocated by Glasgow City Council. After the needed funds are secured and the pilot is actually rolled out, broader decisions can be made regarding the future of public transport in Glasgow and the rest of the UK.
If every Glaswegian between 22 and 59 got a free travel pass for nine weeks, the council would need to cough up a whopping £95.7 million, not including the admin costs.
While nothing is yet official, the free public transport trial could really be a game-changer in the future of local travel if it does go ahead.
The first country in the world to introduce free public transport for everyone
Free public transport for everyone was introduced in Luxembourg in 2020, making it the first country in the world to make ALL public transport in the country accessible to every single person, even visitors.
What is more the residents of Malta can use free public transport on most routes since 2022, even though there are just buses on the island. However, this does not apply to tourists.