The city of Brussels, Belgium will offer free public transport on days when it exceeds air pollution targets.
The city hopes the offer of free public transport will encourage people to take advantage of the service instead of using cars, as a means of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme would apply to buses, trams and metros, and may also extend to Brussels’ bike share system.
The rules will enter into force after two consecutive days in which particulate matter surpasses an average of 51-70 micrograms per cubic metre of air, and alongside free public transport will include a measure to lower speed limits for cars by around one third, and to prohibit use of wood burning stoves.
Why does Brussels need to reduce emissions?
The legislation has been sent for judicial review, and is expected to enter into force in the summer. The city hopes that the new rules will rebalance transport policy in the city towards public transport users and cyclists, and away from drivers.
Currently, it is estimated that 350,000 daily commuters use their cars on the city’s roads, and air pollution in Brussels often hits peaks which are considered potentially dangerous to human health. The city has also announced plans to introduce low emission zones and to electrify all of its buses by 2030.
What has the city said about the new plan?
Speaking to the Guardian, Brussels’ transport minister, Pascal Smet, said that the plan was guided by a need to restructure how roads and public spaces are used: “Research shows that the more space you give to cars, the more cars you attract. Indeed, the most car-friendly cities are also the most congested.”
By giving public spaces back to pedestrians and cyclists, he added, the city hopes to create places where people can meet and connect, and also to encourage people to use these more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
