Salzburg offers 5,000 free tickets during Neutor closure

The city of Salzburg will distribute 5,000 free public transport tickets to encourage residents to switch from cars during the construction-related closure of the Neutor. ORF Salzburg reports that the tickets will be available from September 14 at municipal service centres.

Each ticket allows free travel on buses and trains throughout the city of Salzburg for one day. One ticket will be issued per person.

The distribution will begin at the city library, the municipal service centre at Mirabell Palace and the resident service centre in Salzburg-Lehen.

Mayor Bernhard Auinger said the city and the Salzburg Transport Association wanted to encourage as many people as possible to try public transport and experience its advantages in everyday life. During the closure, which is expected to last several months, every journey made by public transport, bicycle or on foot will help reduce pressure on the transport network, he said.

Deputy Mayor Kay-Michael Dankl described the closure as a test for the city and said additional services were important. The pedestrian tunnel next to the Neutor will remain open, he added. A reinforced route 10E service for Maxglan and the free trial tickets are intended to help buses operate during the closure and make switching to public transport easier.

Transport councillor Anna Schiester said the free tickets were designed as a simple incentive for residents to see how well everyday travel could work without a car. The city administration also recommends combining trips and forming car pools during the closure. Short journeys can be made on foot or by bicycle, it said.