Rotterdam to retain free travel for lower-income pensioners

Rotterdam will end free public transport for all state pensioners, but around 20,000 on low incomes will keep the benefit under a narrower scheme agreed by the city and transport operators RET and EBS. [1]

The new scheme will cover residents receiving a state pension whose income is no more than 110 per cent of the statutory social minimum. It is expected to begin on 1 March 2027, with the city providing the funding to the operators. [1]

The city executive says the existing universal scheme has become too expensive. It expects costs to nearly double in the coming years as fares rise and the population ages, putting increasing pressure on the municipal budget. [1]

Miriam Harika, the councillor responsible for work and income, said keeping free travel for lower-income pensioners would help them visit friends and family, attend medical appointments and take part in social life. [1]