Ida Ismail
A promise that leaves much to be desired.
From January 2025, the Municipality of Tirana has implemented the decision to provide resident pensioners with free public transport passes.
On paper, this decision seems like a great relief for the elderly, but in practice, obtaining a subscription has become a real challenge for pensioners, who must appear at the kiosk every month to benefit from the service.
Long lines and difficult conditions
Every morning, tired faces of pensioners fill the lines near the ticket distribution points in Tirana. Without organization and adequate infrastructure, the elderly are forced to wait for hours, often on foot, regardless of their health condition.
"We come in the early hours of the morning to get in line. We are tense, we are sick. We can barely stand," says a pensioner near the kiosk at "Brryli."
Another pensioner complains: "I have a hard time, I'm disabled, I have to stand for 2 hours."
Absurd condition/Only the pensioner can personally withdraw the subscription
Employees at the kiosks confirm that the distribution points are open every beginning and end of the month from 07:00 to 19:00. However, only pensioners themselves can receive the subscription, excluding any possibility of assistance from family or relatives.
Veliaj promised ease, the reality is different
The Mayor, Erion Veliaj, had previously stated that pensioners would not have to wait in line and that the pass would be easy to obtain. The reality on the ground, however, tells a completely different story.
Memaj: The decision is discriminatory for other pensioners
The President of the Urban Transport Association, Dashnor Memaj, says that it would be fairer for any social policy to extend to all municipalities where there is public urban transport, as other pensioners feel discriminated against.
Subscription, only until the election?
An important detail that adds to the doubts about an electoral promise is the fact that the free season ticket will not be distributed during the three months of summer (June-August), a period that coincides immediately after the parliamentary elections on May 11.
"Pensioners are on vacation," said Veliaj, justifying the interruption of service during the summer.
The voice of critics: Discrimination and ridicule
Members of the Municipal Council, such as Endri Shabani, have described this decision as a mockery of pensioners, proposing that they travel with their pension booklet or that the passes be distributed at pension points.
On the other hand, Dorian Teliti from the Democratic Party and Tedi Blushi from the Freedom Party have described this situation as a scandalous treatment of the elderly, who are poorer and more vulnerable than ever.
Is this a copy of Belind Këlliç's plan?
There have also been accusations that this promise is a copy of candidate Belind Këlliçi's program for free public transportation for all. Meanwhile, Veliaj has stated that this idea is not realistic, comparing it to Lulzim Basha's "imaginary tram".
Pensioners between promises and bitter reality
While many European countries are offering free public transport to all citizens, including tourists, Tirana seems to be using the free pass as a tool to attract votes. Whether the free pass for pensioners is a social policy or an electoral move, time will tell. But until then, pensioners will continue to stand in line, tired and disappointed.
Map of the distribution of subscriptions in Tirana.
Citizens registered on the Pensioner Subscription benefit portal must appear at the end of each month to receive the pensioner subscription for the following month, with an ID card and photo, at the 8 distribution points. 177 thousand pensioners benefit.
- Kiosk at the National Library, “Luigj Gurakuqi” Street;
- Kiosk near Civil Engineering, “Muhamed Gjollesha” Street;
- Kiosk at the Train Station, “Reshit Petrela” Street;
- Kiosk at 15 Kateshi, “Urani Pano” street;
- Kiosk at Brryli, blvd "Zan d'Ark";
- Kiosk near the “Sabaudin Gabrani” school.
- Kiosk near "Llazi Miho" street at the station of line no. 15 Kombinat-Kinostudio.
- Kiosk near "Hoxha Tahsim" street at Kubi.
European countries with free public transport
With the aim of reducing fuel use and increasing the use of trains, buses and trams, European countries have made major changes in the transport sector.
Luxembourg was the first country in the world to offer free public transport. This also applies to international travellers and tourists, as 45% of the workforce is from neighbouring countries. Malta also managed to provide free transport for travellers, followed by Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Montpellier in France. Germany reduced the monthly fee for public transport to encourage less car use. The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, has made public transport free for all registered residents since 2013 (unlike Hasselt). Other towns in Estonia have also followed suit and made public transport free.
