Spain is a pioneering scheme that makes some train journeys totally free of charge, whereas other governments have struggled to combat inflation.
This initiative will allow passengers to travel across Catalonia, explore Andalucia’s architectural wonders and visit the museums and restaurants in Basque Country.
On Tuesday, the socialist-led coalition government of Spain announced that travel through certain sections of the state-owned rail network Renfe would be free for all citizens from the 1st of September to the 31st of the current year.
This arrangement for Renfe routes comes in addition to the policy announced last Month wherein the central government offered a 30% discount on all public transportation, including trams and metros.
Multi-trip tickets on cercanias (commuter service) and media distancia will be eligible for 100% rail discounts. This applies to medium-distance routes (less than 300km). This discount is intended primarily for Spanish season ticket holders, but tourists may also be able to take advantage of the offer if they purchased multi-journey tickets.
Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s prime minister, stated Tuesday that he wanted the Spanish people to know that he was fully aware of the daily struggles that most people face. “I know that salaries are decreasing in number and it is difficult to reach the end of each month.
To offset the rising energy prices and inflation, price reductions are being made.
“This measure encourages public transport to ensure a safe and reliable, comfortable and economic way of getting around amid the extraordinary rise in fuel and energy prices,” said the Spanish Ministry of Transport in a statement.
Spain is not the only European country that wants to lower transport costs.
Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway company, launched a ticket for EUR9 that allows you to travel for a whole month from June through August. The deal allows passengers to save money on more than 50-mile journeys by connecting two stations in Germany.
Austria also launched its “Klimaticket”, a climate ticket, in late 2021. The ticket costs just EUR3, and is a great alternative to the daily commute. The scheme was created to encourage Austrians not to drive and it proved to be extremely popular.
Britons are still being burdened by high ticket prices. In February declared that rail fares in England and Wales would increase by an average 3.8%. Railfuture, an independent organization that aims to reform railways, suggests that commuters’ annual travel expenses will seem insurmountable as fares rise.
