Belgrade becomes the largest European city to offer free public transport

On 1 January 2025, Belgrade, Serbia’s (RS) capital city, introduced free public transport for all its residents. With a population of 1.7 million, it has become the largest European city to adopt such a policy. Mayor Aleksandar Šapić announced that passengers would no longer need to purchase tickets for buses, trams, or trolleybuses, joining cities such as Luxembourg, Tallinn, and Montpellier in embracing free public transport.

Additionally, Mayor Šapić announced plans for a major overhaul of the city’s public transport fleet. Stating that by the end of 2025, no vehicle in the fleet will be more than two years old, except those purchased in 2022.

These measures are expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and promote more sustainable mobility across the Serbian capital. They form part of the city’s broader strategy to improve urban mobility. The metro system, set for completion by 2030, is expected to further transform the public transport offering.

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.