LUXEMBOURG’S Transport Minister Francois Bausch hailed it a “great day” as the country became the first in the world to offer free public transport on Saturday.

“You will no longer need a ticket to board any national bus, train or the tram. Commuters from neighbouring countries will benefit from reduced fares,” the public transport network announced.

Passengers already travelled for free on Saturdays but charges have now been scrapped altogether.

The government said it had implemented the new system to motivate people to change their behaviour and tackle traffic congestion.

It is investing €4 billion (£3.44bn) in the rail network by 2027 in a bid to meet rising demand.

By 2030, Luxembourg’s public transport fleet is expected to have “alternative drive technology,” a reference to electric motorisation. 

“The government wants Luxembourg to become a laboratory for mobility,” Mr Bausch said, highlighting the grand duchy’s fast-rising population, which has risen by 40 per cent in 20 years.

About 200,000 workers — almost half of Luxembourg’s workforce — commute from Belgium, France or Germany.