Geneva makes public transportation free for the first time to reduce emissions

For the first time in history, free public transportation has been temporarily introduced in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of emergency measures to combat the sharp rise in air pollution. About writes Reuters.

According to the WHO, the concentration of ozone in the air in the city exceeded the safe level of 180 micrograms per cubic meter per day. Ozone in large quantities can cause difficulty breathing, headaches, and asthma attacks.

The peak pollution was caused by heat up to +37°C, low cloud cover and lack of wind, which is why harmful gases accumulate and slowly dissipate.

Starting Wednesday, August 13, Geneva residents and tourists can use buses, trams, trains and boats for free. Ticket checks have been suspended until the air condition improves.

"The measures taken under this emergency protocol aim to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, in particular by encouraging the use of public transport and restricting the movement of the most polluting vehicles," the Swiss Environmental Protection Agency said.

In addition, only low-emission vehicles are allowed in the city center from 6:00 to 22:00 to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and other harmful substances.