"Free Public Transportation Fares"... Spain Chooses Drastic Discounts Amid Skyrocketing Prices

Germany and Austria Also Introduce 'Unlimited Travel Pass'

Amid soaring global prices, Spain will distribute free round-trip tickets for certain trains starting in September to reduce the burden on ordinary citizens. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The Spanish government will issue free round-trip tickets for certain trains from September through the end of the year. This measure aims to alleviate the burden on citizens facing high inflation while responding to the energy crisis.

According to CNN and other outlets on the 13th (local time), Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced inflation relief measures the day before, stating that state-owned railway tickets, which already had a 50% discount, will now be distributed for free.

Accordingly, from September 1, various train services operated by Spain's state railway 'Renfe', metropolitan commuter trains 'Cercan?as', and Catalonia regional railways 'Rodalies' can be used free of charge for four months. However, long-distance train tickets and one-way tickets are excluded from the free benefit.

The Spanish Ministry of Transport emphasized, "This measure is to ensure commuting amid the special situation of continuously rising energy and fuel prices," and added, "It encourages maximum use of public transportation."

Last month, Germany also decided to sell tickets allowing unlimited use of regional public transportation for one month at 9 euros (about 12,000 won). These tickets will be available temporarily from June to August. This is also a measure to reduce citizens' living expenses and promote public transportation.

Austria launched the 'KlimaTicket' last year to reduce vehicle use. It is a ticket that allows free use of public transportation for one year, priced at 1,095 euros (1.44 million won).

Meanwhile, it appears that countries have prepared such policies in response to global inflation. Previously, as the war in Ukraine prolonged due to the Russian invasion, international raw material prices such as crude oil and grains soared dramatically. Additionally, in Europe, Russia reduced natural gas supplies in retaliation against economic sanctions, delivering a direct blow to energy supply and demand.

As a crisis was sensed across the economy, the value of 1 euro fell below 1 dollar for the first time in 20 years. According to Bloomberg on the 13th (local time), the euro-to-dollar exchange rate dropped to as low as 0.998 dollars during trading. The media forecast that inflation will worsen further as the euro's value falls and energy prices soar.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.