EU & the World
Greenpeace: Most EU Public Transport Is Too Expensive
Greenpeace’s new analysis of the affordability of public transportation in 30 European countries concluded that prices are high in most places.
According to data published on Thursday (4th May), only Austria, Germany, and Hungary offer relatively affordable tickets for nationwide travel, costing less that EUR3 per day.
Read and decide
Join EUobserver Today
Expertise yourself on Europe
Instant access to all articles and archives dating back 20 years. 14-day free trial.
Choose your plan
Subscribe as a group or…
The worst performers in the ranking were Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece. Dublin, London, Paris, and Amsterdam, with tickets priced above EUR2.25 a day, ranked last in the list. Amsterdam, for instance, charges EUR1,001 for a yearly pass.
Around two-thirds (or 63%) of the countries studied do not offer any countrywide long-term travel pass. The report also targets taxes on public transportation, which average 11 percent VAT and are “higher than most basic services.”
Six EU countries, including Romania Bulgaria, Estonia, Slovakia Croatia and Hungary, tax public transport at a high rate, with Hungary leading at 27 percent.
“Affordable transport is a necessity but many governments treat this like a luxury,” said Greenpeace EU Transport Campaigner Lorelei Limousin.
She points out the fact that kerosene and cross-border airline tickets do not have to pay VAT. The report concludes that removing VAT from bus and train tickets will encourage people to drive less. However, Limousin says more needs to be accomplished.
The analysis comes just days after the new low-cost national travel cards for Germany and Hungary came into force on 1 May. The “Deutschlandticket” offers a monthly EUR49 ticket to use local and regional public transportation. According to the German Transit Authority, one billion trips are made per month under the scheme. One in five buyers of the scheme is a first-time traveller who does not normally use public transportation.
Market research shows that about half of the population used the cheaper tickets.
Last month, German Transport Minister Volker Wissing expressed support for an affordable pan-European ticket. Greenpeace also supports this proposal and has asked the European Commission to help facilitate the introduction of such a ticket in the near future.
Limousin said that governments should introduce ‘climate tickets,’ simple and affordable, for public transport to reduce people’s bills while reducing the oil consumption that is driving our planet into climate disaster. These services could be paid for by taxing polluting travel methods and ending tax exemptions for international flight and aviation fuel.
Author
Key Takeaways Cuban link chains are a timeless fashion accessory that can elevate any outfit. There are several ways to style these chains, including both formal and casual ensembles. Understanding the different types of Cuban link chains can help you choose the perfect one for your style. The popularity of Cuban link chains spans across…
Author
In this digital age, online shopping is commonplace as people use their smartphones to buy or search for anything online. From foodstuff to clothes as well as medicines, purchasing items via the internet has become very simple. However, when it comes to purchasing glasses online, some may opt-out to shop in-store instead. This guide will…
Author
Nowadays, change is constant and unpredictability reigns supreme — and Agile Project Management stands out as a champion of adaptability and efficiency. Embracing the Agile methodology has become essential for organizations that want to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of rapidly changing businesses. This article dives into the core principles and practices of Agile Project Management,…
Author
Upgrade Your Style Game with Cuban Link Chains: A Fashionista’s Must-Have
Buying Glasses Online: What You Should Know
Agile Project Management: A New Approach for Rapidly Changing Businesses
-
EU & the World6 days agoCardi B’s Kids: Meet the Rapper’s Three Children with Estranged Husband Offset
-
EU & the World6 days agoMicrosoft 365 Outages: Inside the Sudden Shutdown of Teams, Outlook & More
-
EU & the World6 days agoMTV VMAs 2024: Highlights & Craziest Moments
-
EU & the World6 days agoMore. Longevity & Wellbeing – Leading the Charge in the Wellness Industry
-
Sports6 days agoLouis Vuitton Cup, no rematch for Luna Rossa. For now
-
EU & the World4 days agoMoo Deng: Meet the Baby Pygmy Hippo Who Has Become a Viral Sensation
-
Sports6 days agoSerie A 2024-2025: Como-Bologna, the likely lineups
-
Sports6 days agoSerie A 2024-2025: Empoli-Juventus, the likely lineups
