TRAIN journeys of less than 300km (186 miles) are to be completely free for people in Spain from September.
The government announced the measure as part of an effort to cut people’s bills as the cost of living crisis, exacerbated by inflation and rising energy bills, bites.
Discounts of 100% will apply to multi-trip ticket journeys on commuter services and medium-distance routes (less than 300km) from September 1.
The discount will apply to the state-owned rail-network, Renfe, and comes in addition to a discount announced in June of 30% off all public transport, including metros, buses and trams.
“I’d like the people of Spain to know that I’m fully aware of the daily difficulties that most people have,” Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said. “I know salaries cover less and less and that it’s difficult to get to the end of the month.”
“This measure encourages using public transport to guarantee a safe, reliable, comfortable, economic and sustainable means of doing the daily commute amid the extraordinary increase of energy and fuel prices,” the Spanish Ministry of Transport said in a statement.
