Geneva says "no" to free public transport

Voters in canton Geneva have turned down an initiative to allow people to travel on local trams and buses for free.

The controversial proposal, which was supported by leftwing groups, unions and an association for retired people, was rejected by 67 per cent of Geneva voters on Sunday.

Geneva senator Robert Cramer told journalists he was both pleased and relieved by the result.

"If it had been accepted, it would have led to a considerable reduction in the quality of the Geneva public transport system," the Green Party politician commented. Ahead of the vote, political opponents from most parties had roundly attacked the proposal.

"The idea might indeed be attractive to a wide range of people, from those who love its slightly 'anarchic' appeal to those who pay too much tax," Cramer told journalists in January. But a totally free system would not be possible, and taxpayers would be asked to stump up the necessary funds, declared the opponents.

Currently, 55 per cent of the cost of the Geneva network - or SFr155 million ($143 million) - is subsidised by the state. The remaining 45 per cent comes from ticket sales, passes and fines. A "yes" vote would have cost taxpayers SFr167 million annually, they argued.