Public transport fares are rising across many European capitals, with monthly ticket prices reaching record levels in half of the cities surveyed by Greenpeace.
London, Amsterdam And Paris Have Highest Monthly Fares
Greenpeace assessed public transport passes in the capitals of the 27 EU member states, as well as the UK, Switzerland and Norway. The study examined monthly and annual fares, coverage, included transport modes, concessions for vulnerable groups and VAT rates.
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London had the highest monthly fare at €162, followed by Amsterdam at €107 and Paris at €77.
Nicosia recorded the largest increase in long-term ticket prices since 2023, at 67%. Amsterdam followed with a 55% rise, Madrid with 50% and Bratislava with 32%. Prices also increased by 29% in Berlin and 26% in Vienna.
VAT Adds To Fare Pressure
Public transport tickets carry an average VAT rate of 11% across the countries surveyed, while seven countries have increased the tax since 2023.
Prices have fallen in only four capitals since 2023. Dublin recorded the largest decline at 42.5%, followed by Oslo at 11.5%, Bern at 6.6% and Budapest at 5.8%. Prices were unchanged in 12 other capitals.
National Schemes Remain Limited
Spain and Slovenia have introduced nationwide public transport ticket schemes since 2023. However, only eight of the 30 countries surveyed offer free public transport or affordable universal long-term tickets.
Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia ranked highest for affordability and availability, while Finland, Greece and Norway ranked lowest. The latter group also applies above-average VAT rates to domestic public transport.
Tallinn, Luxembourg City And Valletta Top The Ranking
Greenpeace’s assessment of availability, affordability and inclusivity placed Tallinn, Luxembourg City and Valletta jointly at the top. Prague ranked fourth, followed by Rome and Athens, while Sofia and Vienna completed the top eight.
Greenpeace is calling on governments to introduce affordable “climate tickets” that could make public transport more accessible while supporting efforts to reduce emissions and fossil-fuel use.
