Denmark proposes free public transport for all children and young adults under 22

The Danish government will push for nationwide free bus and train travel for everyone under 22, following a successful trial in Fredericia where ridership surged by up to 90 percent after fares were abolished, DR reports.

The proposal, outlined in last week’s government platform, would eliminate ticket costs for all minors and young adults—a move transport analysts say removes a key financial barrier to education, work, and social participation. Pelle Dragsted of the Red-Green Alliance confirmed the plan, though negotiations on timing and funding remain unresolved.

In Fredericia, where free transit has been in place since last summer at an annual cost of 8.7 million kroner, the policy has already proven transformative. Ridership climbed by an average of 84 percent over ten months, with some months seeing increases as high as 90 percent, according to data from regional transit agency Sydtrafik.

Felina Baunbæk Lykke, 18, told DR the change has eased financial pressure for young people on limited budgets, such as those relying on state education grants. “It means a lot to have that freedom—to spend money on yourself instead of transport,” she said. Silas Overmark Løyche, also 18, added that scrapping fares allowed him to save significantly: “For me, it’s been a huge, liberating opportunity to put money aside.”

Youth advocacy groups have welcomed the national proposal. Anneline Larsen, chair of the Danish Youth Council, called transport costs a “real barrier” to participation in clubs, schools, and jobs. “When you remove the economic hurdle, you create equal opportunities,” she said, emphasizing that young people’s access to community activities should not depend on family income. She dismissed concerns about funding, arguing it was fair for those over 22 to cover the cost through taxes.

Fredericia’s city council, which unanimously backs the local scheme, reports broad public support. The policy’s success there has become a model for the government’s broader plan, though no implementation date has been set.