On Monday 6 January, a new bus line connecting Forbach and Luxembourg is supposed to ease car traffic for commuters for 21€ per ticket, with possible reductions.

The amount of cross-border workers who drive into Luxembourg is growing daily, and with it, the need for transportation opportunities other than cars. As our colleagues at RTL Infos recently addressed, commuters need to get up very early in order to avoid the traffic jams.

Good news for commuters, because the Grand Est region is launching an experimental project for two years which links Forbach and Luxembourg directly via a coach.

From 6 January, the bus route 57R600 will establish a link between Forbach station and Howald multimodal exchange hub in Luxembourg. The new service offers two return rides a day, from Monday to Friday, except during Luxembourgish holidays. The bus will depart twice in the morning at 5.30 am and 6.30am in Forbach and will return departing from Howard at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

The hours can be adjusted depending on the commuters' input and feedback during this experimental phase. Check the departure and arrival times here.

"Premium" equipment and expensive tickets

Grand Est region has organised "a premium quality coach" that is modern, and comfortable with Wifi connection, USB outlets, and air conditioning. Furthermore, it operates with biofuel which meets all Euro 6 standards, reducing its carbon footprint.

However, the prices unfortunately have to meet the luxuries of the coach:

  • The monthly subscription comes out to 238€. The tariff has been "calculated based on the SNCF tariff rates for a distance equivalent to 100km," says Grand Est region
  • One day ticket costs 21€ (or 20€ with the Fluo card, 10.5€ for exemptions, or 1€ for those aged under 26)
  • Région Grand Est currently has a discovery offer until 6 March 2025 which reduces the ticket cost to 5€

While a 21€ day ticket might not encourage many commuters to jump on the offer, the monthly subscription could be a worthwhile investment since it reduces the price to 11.9€ per day. the subscription comprises five return journeys per week for a month. If the pilot project has success, employers might even consider taking over the transport costs.

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