Saturday, January 21, 2012

Free buses good for business

The Chronicle: TOOWOOMBA businesses are set for a major boost this Easter after Bus Queensland and Easterfest combined to provide free public transport through the city.
It is the first time the Toowoomba bus network will be operating during the Easter weekend.
Easterfest city coordinator Drew Vallejos said the decision follows the success of last year's loop service when more than 2500 people travelled between Queens Park and Grand Central shopping centre.
"We have an opportunity to expand that service so the local economy can benefit," Mr Vallejos said.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Tallinn Offers Free Public Transportation to All Residents

Estonian Public Broadcasting. Published: 11.01.2012

Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar ( Photo: Postimees/Scanpix )


Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar said the city is willing to make public transportation free for its residents in 2013, if taxpayers support the idea in a poll from March 19 to 25.

Currently, pensioners and children of families with financial difficulties are granted free bus rides in Tallinn, reported Õhtuleht. "Free fares would be useful for others in economic hardship, who could instead use the ticket money for a better meal," said Savisaar.

A three-member family could save up 650 euros per year, the mayor said.

The reform would also popularize travel by bus and reduce the number of cars, congestion and traffic accidents, he added.

Ingrid Teesalu


[Tallinn is a major city in Estonia. Pop 416,144]