Overview

• On May 30, buses, trams, and select trains in the VMT network will be free to use, covering major cities like Erfurt, Weimar, Jena, and Gera.
• The initiative is designed to promote public transport and encourage residents to explore the region on the bridge day.
• A similar fare-free day held in November received positive feedback, though exact ridership data is unavailable due to the absence of ticket sales.
• Local retailers reported increased foot traffic during the previous event and advocated for its continuation.
• The future of fare-free days remains uncertain, with decisions dependent on funding, transport operator approval, and improved impact assessment methods.