Groningen considers free public transport for low-income earners

Groningen’s provincial lawmakers are advancing a plan to make public transportation free for residents with limited financial means. The proposal would use funding previously allocated for regional transit through a motion by the ChristenUnie in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament.

A proposal from GroenLinks won broad support in the provincial legislature on Wednesday evening. Only the VVD, CDA, PVV, and FVD voted against it.

The motion urges the provincial executives to work with municipalities and the national government on a long-term program providing free public transportation for low-income residents. It also calls for the measure to be included as a requirement in future public transport concession contracts.

Supporters say a lack of affordable transportation prevents people with limited income from fully participating in society. They argue limited mobility restricts access to work, education, and social life. The proposal also points to similar programs in the municipalities of Het Hogeland and Eemsdelta.

Provincial officials will now seek coordination with municipalities and The Hague to determine how a permanent version of the program could be financed and implemented.