Geneva pioneers free public transport for youth and students

Canton Geneva implements groundbreaking free public transport program for under-25s in education or low-income work, with half-price fares for elderly

Key Takeaways

Geneva became the first Swiss canton to implement free public transport for youth under 25 in education or low income
The program started on January 1, 2025
Elderly passengers now receive 50% discount on public transport
Initial waiting times for passes reached up to 45 minutes

By The Numbers

CHF 32 million

Initial budget allocated

CHF 40-45 million

Expected total sales

CHF 400

Cost per child's pass covered by state

They Said

"It's not free transport but rather transport on offer"
— Rémy Burri, head of Geneva fare community

"It's a good idea... many young people struggle financially"
— 20-year-old business school student

Geneva's Pioneering Free Transport Initiative

Program Details and Eligibility

Financial Impact and Implementation

Public Response and Early Results

Future Implications and Infrastructure

Sources & References

Free public transport - a Geneva success story

SWI swissinfo.ch

Key Takeaways

Geneva became the first Swiss canton to implement free public transport for youth under 25 in education or low income
The program started on January 1, 2025
Elderly passengers now receive 50% discount on public transport
Initial waiting times for passes reached up to 45 minutes