The European city offering free public transport – but with a catch
- Our Hidden Earth
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 9
This city, home to around 1.7 million people, faces major traffic problems, which add to its environmental challenges.
A stunning European city with a rich history is set to make public transport free for hundreds of thousands of residents from January 1. However, tourists won’t be able to take advantage of the scheme, as free transport in Belgrade will reportedly only apply to locals.
The city’s mayor, Aleksandar Šapić, announced that the move will benefit more than one million residents.
Belgrade, with its growing population, struggles with heavy traffic, leading to daily congestion and environmental concerns.
The city’s road network, combined with the high number of vehicles, results in frequent gridlock, especially during peak hours. This not only causes long delays for commuters but also worsens air pollution as car emissions increase.
According to Swiss company IQ Air, which tracks global air quality, Belgrade ranks among the 10 most polluted cities in the world. The ranking is based on high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), a dangerous pollutant linked to vehicle exhaust, industrial activity, and heating.
Other factors contributing to the pollution may include old, outdated cars, a lack of green spaces to absorb emissions, and weather conditions that trap pollutants in the air.
Announcing the plan, Mr. Šapić said: “This measure makes Belgrade the only European city with a population of over one million to provide free public transport.”
The mayor also confirmed that all of Belgrade’s buses, trams, and trolleys will be upgraded by 2027, adding, “No buses will be older than two years by 2025.”
Other cities like Tallinn in Estonia, Montpellier in France, and Luxembourg already offer free public transport, but their populations are smaller than one million.
Belgrade is known for its deep history, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife. It is also one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over 7,000 years.
For centuries, Belgrade has been a key cultural and strategic hub, shaped by influences from the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires.
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