Due to a peak of pollution, Geneva makes its public transport free, a first

Geneva is faced with a severe ozone pollution peak. To deal with it, public transport will be free throughout the cantonal territory on Wednesday, announced Tuesday evening the territory department (DT), which wants to “encourage the modal transfer as much as possible”. Free is established “from the start of the service and until further notice”, can be read on the TPG website. Everyone will be able to climb into a united vehicle without ticket, and the controls will be suspended. This is a first in Switzerland

The Geneva anti-SMOG system, reinforced in 2020, provides that such a measure “is announced for the next day when an exceeding of the value of 180 µg/m³ Ozone is proven on Geneva territory. This condition was fulfilled today at the Meyrin measurement station, which reached the level of 223 µg/m3, “specifies the DT.

Reinforced differentiated circulation is also activated. Except for exceptions, only vehicles with Stick’Air 0, 1, 2 and 3 macaroons will be allowed to circulate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the center of the canton, under penalty of fine. The Geneva bypass highway will be limited to 80 km/h.

This system will be renewed according to the evolution of the situation until the end of the pollution peak, specifies the department.