The university city of Tbingen, in southwest Germany, is testing free public transportation for all residents. Two weeks ago, the city began a two-year pilot project using its own funds to provide free rides on Saturdays.

For seven years, local authorities have been trying to provide unlimited public transport, free at the point of access, for a flat 15-euro monthly tax for all residents, Mayor Boris Palmer explained. To do so would require a change in law.

We already have a decent system in Tbingen, with 89,000 inhabitants and 20 million rides a year, explained Palmer, who doesnt own a car. One in three people uses public transport regularly; a third sometimes; and we are looking at the third that never uses it.