As part of a trial run by the local municipality, kids between the ages of four and 12 will be able to travel for free on public transport in Rotterdam for the whole of 2022.
Yes, you read that correctly! From January 1, 2022, thousands of children living in Rotterdam will be able to make use of the city’s trams, metros, and buses completely free of charge - all they need to do is have their own personal public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart).
The trial will run for 12 months, and children between the ages of four and 12 who are registered in Rotterdam will be eligible for free travel. All transportation systems operated by RET and EBS are taking part in the trial.
The municipality of Rotterdam hopes the trial will be effective in making the city’s public transport more accessible and affordable for all residents: “If children travel for free with public transport, it is much cheaper for families to travel.” The city’s Alderman for mobility, Judith Bokhove, also points out that free public transport will allow older children to become familiar with public transport from a younger age and discover the city through their own eyes.