Greenpeace acknowledges that Luxembourg has scored points by introducing free public transport. “A new analysis on the accessibility of public transport in 30 European countries and their capitals highlights Luxembourg’s pioneering role in this area”, writes the environmental organisation. “The Grand Duchy can indeed congratulate itself on the significant social impact of free public transport.
Nevertheless, some progress remains to be made. According to Greenpeace, this free travel “has not led to a shift from cars to more sustainable means of transportation. And for good reason: the purchase and use of a car is still too advantageous in Luxembourg, and even more so in comparison with neighbouring countries.”
The organisation continues explaining that “taxation is not progressive enough to reduce appetite for the most consuming models, nor their number in circulation”. Greenpeace further points out that Luxembourg has 681 cars per 1,000 inhabitants, one of the highest rates in Europe.
Frédéric Meys, campaigner at Greenpeace Luxembourg, notes: “The implementation of a road tax as well as an increase in annual taxes according to CO2 emissions and the weight of the car is urgently needed to reduce the climate impacts of mobility. At the same time, the promotion of alternative solutions such as car sharing should also be accelerated. Indeed, buying a car is still the best option for many of us.”
