Rotterdam limits free transport to poorer pensioners

Rotterdam limits free public transport to low-income pensioners from 2027

Rotterdam will end free public transport for all state pension recipients on 1 January 2027 and replace it, possibly from 1 March 2027, with free travel for about 20,000 pensioners earning up to 110% of the social minimum.

16 October 2026 by Robert Eduard Antal, facts checked automatically against the source · updated 23 October 2026

Key facts

The current scheme giving free public transport to all Rotterdam state pension (AOW) recipients ends on 1 January 2027.

Under the new scheme, Rotterdam residents of pension age with an income up to 110% of the statutory social minimum can keep travelling free, roughly 20,000 people.

The new scheme may start on 1 March 2027, with a temporary arrangement still being sought for the gap.

Rotterdam will end free public transport for all residents receiving the state pension (AOW) on 1 January 2027, the city’s executive told the city council on Friday 16 October. A replacement scheme worked out with transport operators RET and EBS will keep travel free for around 20,000 older residents with the lowest incomes. The change turns a benefit for every pensioner into one for those with the least money.

What changes

Under the new scheme, people who live in Rotterdam, are entitled to the state pension and have an income up to 110% of the statutory social minimum can keep travelling free on public transport. This group consists of about 20,000 residents. The new scheme may start on 1 March 2027. The current scheme for all pensioners lapses on 1 January 2027, and the city, RET and EBS are still looking for a temporary solution for the period between the two dates.

Why the city is doing it

In the current scheme, all Rotterdam pensioners are entitled to free travel. According to the city, it is becoming too expensive because transport costs keep rising and an ageing population means ever more people receive the state pension. Chantal Zeegers, the alderman responsible for Mobility, welcomed the solution. She said the city had to make a tough choice that she expects will hit many older people hard.

Money and partners

The aldermen held talks with the companies that provide public transport in the municipality. RET runs city and regional transport in Rotterdam, while EBS runs, among other things, bus services in Rozenburg. An earlier plan was to use 3 million euros to raise pensioners’ travel credit. That money now goes to city and regional transport for the new scheme. A letter from RET on a proposed new travel product for pensioners on incomes up to 110% is attached to the council letter.

What happens next

Week of 19 October: all Rotterdam pensioners receive a letter explaining what changes.
28 and 29 October: council committees discuss the budget; the letter is linked to the draft 2027 budget.
10 and 12 November: the city council decides on the budget.

Once the scheme is fully worked out, the city will write again to the pensioners it applies to. It will also send pensioners information on other transport options, such as the neighbourhood bus and WMO transport. The executive is also studying travel options for informal carers. They may be able to choose between public transport credit and a contribution to parking costs. The title of the council letter also refers to ending free public transport for children.

Drafted with AI assistance from the cited source. Every fact was matched automatically against the source text; it was published without an editor reading it. Tell us about any mistake and we correct it on the page.