Belgrade to Launch Free Public Transport for All Residents Starting January 1
Belgrade, the bustling capital of Serbia, is taking a bold step to tackle traffic congestion by making public transport free for everyone starting January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to encourage residents to ditch their cars and embrace the city’s public transit system.
No More Tickets: A Game-Changer for Residents
“Starting January, no one will have to pay for a ticket anymore,” announced Belgrade’s Mayor Aleksandar Sapic on Wednesday. This makes Belgrade one of the few major European cities to adopt free public transport, joining the ranks of Luxembourg and Tallinn, Estonia.
The city, home to 1.7 million residents, lacks an underground metro system—a feature common in many European capitals—but hopes this new policy will ease its notoriously congested streets.
A City Struggling with Traffic
Belgrade faces severe traffic issues, with a significant rise in car ownership contributing to hours of gridlock across the city. Over the past decade, the number of vehicles on the road has grown by a staggering 250,000, adding to the urban chaos.
Authorities have long promised a metro system, with completion now targeted for 2030. However, persistent delays have left the project in limbo, making the free public transport initiative a timely solution.
Plans to Modernize Public Transit
To make public transit a more appealing alternative, Mayor Sapic has pledged to fully replace the city’s aging fleet of buses, trams, and trolleybuses by 2027. Belgrade’s tram system, in operation since 1892, spans 127 kilometers, making it one of the longest tram networks in Europe.
Belgrade Joins a Growing Trend in Europe
By offering free public transport, Belgrade aligns itself with cities like Tallinn and Luxembourg, which have successfully implemented similar policies. These cities have seen benefits ranging from reduced traffic congestion to lower carbon emissions.
Belgrade’s move could be a transformative step toward making the city more accessible and environmentally friendly. As the free transport initiative rolls out, the hope is that more residents will opt for trams, buses, and trolleybuses, paving the way for a less car-dependent future.
This ambitious plan not only addresses current challenges but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system in the years to come.
