Free Public Transport for All
Estonias capital Tallinn is currently celebrating five years of free public transport and is planning to take the project nation-wide. Not only is this the most progressive idea to date about how to reduce traffic and pollution in city areas, they also involved its citizens in a model way, by way of a referendum.
Five years ago, citizens of Tallinn were asked in a referendum if free public transport should be realized. Why should citizens be involved in such political decisions?
“A decision for a long-term project should not only be taken by the current elected council, but it should be locked politically by asking for support from the public. Although a local referendum is not legally binding, the mandate from the popular vote is stronger than just from the council.”
Yes. A hundred times yes. Now, other European cities need to follow this example.