EU ‘ready to explore’ free InterRail tickets for European teenagers

EurActiv.com: "The free-train-ticket antidote against the political malaise affecting Europeans is widely supported inside Parliament by MEPs from the main political groups – including the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Greens and the Liberals (ALDE).

“I am convinced that the 18th birthday InterRail pass for Europe could become a true lighthouse project for the development of a common European identity in diversity,” said EPP group leader Manfred Weber, who champions the initiative with other MEPs.

Weber, a German Conservative who became an enthusiastic backer of the scheme after he used it to travel around Europe with his cousin, flagged the idea during the State of the Union debate in September."

David Carr: Me and my bus pass - good, free public transport for all

CommonSpace: "With free travel, I can take part in Glasgow’s economic, social, cultural and political life. It connects me to the rest of the city. I can also travel to Edinburgh and use their buses. The municipally run Lothian Buses contrasts with First Bus's clapped out service.

If free public transport is good for me, why wouldn't it be for all? Many cities worldwide provide this service, including in Europe, Brazil, the United States, China and Israel. "

Do we really save money by forcing old people to drive?

Luxemburger Wort: "To mark World Older Persons Day, the OGBL demands that Senior travel cards be made free, suggesting that this will not only encourage more people to use public transport but could be beneficial to the environment."

Car culture forces people to drive. Let's break the hold of the car on society.

Plymouth Herald: ""I'll have to walk them to Bodriggy school, which isn't far, but Florence is not the fastest walker. It's going to take 35 minutes and I can't leave Michael at home on his own to catch the taxi as he's only nine years old, so the girls are going to be late every day.

"I am a single parent and I don't drive. I don't have anyone else to help but I am doing my best. I am learning to drive at the moment and once I can drive I am quite happy to take them to school myself.""

What would fare-free public transport do for your life?

Glasgow Live: "She explained: “We use public transport almost every day. The cost is really high and that’s a big ask for carers, who often face poverty and isolation.”"

“Car-free Sunday” a success, says Minister for Transport

The Brussels Times: "Thousands of individuals took advantage of cutting across the region’s 160 square kilometres on foot, by bike or using public transport, all without any major incidents, the police say.

The Royal Family also criss-crossed the streets of the capital by bike. Mr Smet commented, “Car-free Sunday” shows perfectly that a city with fewer cars is both a vibrant and pleasant city.”"

Free second ride for London bus passengers

BBC News: "Bus passengers in London will be able to make a second journey for free under a new system being launched by the capital's mayor.
Sadiq Khan said from 12 September a free second journey can be made within an hour of a fare being paid.
His office estimates 30 million bus journeys, currently costing £1.50 per passenger, will be made this way.
An Oyster or contactless payment card will need to be used to take advantage of the Hopper fare."