Rotterdam pensioners would lose free public transport from 2027

Rotterdam's coalition of Pro, D66, VVD, CDA and Volt has decided to end free public transport for people who receive the state pension (AOW) from 2027. The council votes on the 2027 budget on Thursday evening.

Why it matters

• Rotterdammers on the AOW state pension will pay for public transport journeys from 2027.
• Pensioners have already received a letter saying free travel stops on 1 January 2027.

A letter to pensioners went out last month. It says: "This free travel stops on 1 January 2027." Ronald Buijt, leader of Leefbaar Rotterdam, told the council on Tuesday it was sent far too early. "She still gets her Mobility department to send a letter, one she hasn't signed herself, and on top of that she makes no caveat whatsoever that the council has yet to decide on this," he said of alderman Chantal Zeegers (D66). He called the plan ill-advised.

The coalition holds 23 of the 45 council seats, the smallest possible majority, and all 23 of its members are present. Opposition parties SP, Leefbaar Rotterdam, Denk and 50Plus joined a protest outside City Hall on Tuesday, organised by the SP. Leefbaar Rotterdam and the SP also tabled a motion of regret (motie van treurnis) against Zeegers over the letter. Two earlier motions against Zeegers, one of censure and one of no confidence, concerned paid parking and were voted down.

Rotterdammers on the state pension have been able to travel free off-peak since 2009, and about 77,000 older people have used it. The coalition put the cost of continuing the scheme at more than €13m a year. An SP petition has been signed more than 12,000 times.