They don’t have to validate the ticket. In these cities they will travel by public transport for free
You can travel on a bus or tram without a ticket if you meet certain conditions. However, the list of eligible persons depends on the decision of a specific local government.
Traveling by public transport without a valid ticket may result in an additional fee. However, this does not apply to passengers who are entitled to free travel under local regulations. Depending on the city, these include: children, seniors, people with disabilities and representatives of selected professional groups.
However, there is no single list applicable throughout Poland. The scope of free travel is decided by local governments, so a person entitled to travel without a ticket in one city does not have to use the same rules in another.
Free public transport. The list of eligible persons is changing
An example of the extension of rights is Warsaw. From July 8, veterans, transplant donors and distinguished bone marrow donors can also travel there free of charge. However, during the inspection, they must present a document confirming the right to free travel.
In the capital, there are also free rides, among others: people with disabilities and their guardians, repressed and decorated people, honorary blood donors, children up to seven years of age, Warsaw pupils and students, and seniors over 70 years of age. The rights also include designated groups of retirees and pensioners, people receiving social assistance and representatives of the uniformed services.
Each city can set its own rules
A different model was adopted by Skarżysko-Kamienna. Until the end of September, public transport there is free for all passengers. From October, residents’ card holders will be able to travel without a ticket.
The card is intended for people registered in the city and paying taxes and fees there. This solution is intended to encourage residents to settle taxes locally and thus support the financing of public transport.
Children and seniors often travel without a ticket
Some of the most common groups using free communication are children and the elderly. However, age limits vary depending on the locality. In many cities, children up to the age of seven travel without a ticket, and in some cases also older students.
The situation is similar for seniors. The right to free travel is often granted after the age of 65 or 70. Students up to 21 years of age and seniors over 65 years of age can travel free of charge in Wrocław.
There are cities where everyone rides for free
Żory went even further. In this city, transport is free for all passengers, regardless of their age or place of residence. Therefore, you do not have to belong to a specific group to use free rides.
In other towns, the catalog of eligible persons may include people with disabilities and their guardians, children from families with the Large Family Card, honorary blood donors, as well as policemen and firefighters. It is worth checking local rules before traveling, because the scope of discounts and documents required during inspection depend on the regulations in force in a given city.
