Free Public Transport Day 2011

FPT-day is coming up this saturday. Things are happening all around, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you are planning something where you live!

In Sweden, different initiatives are gathered on www.nolltaxa.nu (in Swedish only as of yet). The program includes actions in Stockholm, seminars and leafleting in Malmö and free buses in Mora – where the annual ski race Vasaloppet takes place the same weekend.

In Germany Berlin fährt frei (Berlin rides for free) calls out for the participation in the rally: “Stand up for a different railway politics!” that is happening on the International Day of Action for Free Public Transport—Saturday March 5, 2011—from 15:00 at Potsdamer Platz. Berlin fährt frei will be speaking at the event.

Even if Berlin’s S-Bahn (regional train) disaster has disappeared from the front pages, the ice is still thin and the issue is still boiling. The S-Bahn is still only running on a rudimentary level and what should happen as of 2017—when the contract would be renewed—is completely unclear. Nothing points to the sign that the S-Bahn’s profit orientation will change without pressure from below. That’s why we want to make a statement on March 5:

“Business as usual” will not work for Berlin! The recent water referendum is only a taste of what is possible. And because we don’t want to get stuck in destructive defensive cycles, we demand:

Berlin rides for free—Bus and train without the need for tickets!

For the right to mobility and against social exclusion.

For real environmental and climate politics and fewer cars.

Because so, everyone’s quality of life improves and because common goods must be organized democratically.

Berlin rides for free—The city belongs to us!

The rally was initiated by Schwabenstreich Berlin. More information (in German) here:

FPT-Day in Brazil

In Florianopolis, Brazil,  a Carnival parade is being planned for Free Public Transport day. “Bloco” is  when someone, usually a band, goes on top of a truck parading on the streets and the crowd follows dancing samba or funk. In this case the band or the “bloco” is called “BONDE DOS CATRAQUEIRAS” and the carnival event will be used to promote free transportation.People are asked to bring pots and pans to make noise and to bring a white t-shirt that will be painted with the “bloco” graphics. Sounds an amazing party!

We wish you a happy Free Public Transport Day!