Luxembourg Launches Second 'Respect on Public Transport' Day

On Thursday 2 May 2024, public transport stakeholders in Luxembourg launched the second “National Day of Respect on Public Transport”. 

Public transport officials gathered at the funicular of the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg railway stop to take a symbolic photo displaying the central message of the National Day dedicated to the importance of respect in public transport: “Respect is easy as pie” (Le respect, c'est simple comme bonjour).

Placed under the aegis of Luxembourg’s Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, this initiative launched in 2023 by Luxembourg’s national railway company, the CFL, is being continued in collaboration with the public transport administration, the City of Luxembourg (Ville de Luxembourg – VdL), Luxtram and the TICE. It is accompanied by awareness-raising and a communication campaign in public transport and on the social networks of the various actors involved.

Although the majority of journeys take place without incident, certain problematic situations are characterised by various forms of mental, verbal or physical violence against the women and men who work every day to provide a quality mobility service to an ever-increasing customer base. The campaign aims to raise awareness among public transport users of the importance of respect in their interactions with other passengers as well as public transport staff. Respect, as a fundamental social value, requires constant collective commitment, the public transport actors emphasised. Everyone has a role to play in cultivating a climate of respect, kindness and tolerance in public spaces, particularly on public transport. The “National Day of Respect” constitutes a special opportunity to highlight this essential value and to promote a culture of respect within the society of Luxembourg.

“You don't have to be a superhero to put a smile on the face of public transport staff or other users: a simple 'hello' is enough,” said Minister Backes. “On the occasion of National Respectful Public Transport Day, I would like to reiterate the importance of behaving in a polite and courteous manner towards staff and other users.”

“Life on public transport is an integral part of life in society. Journeys must therefore take place with respect for everyone as a cardinal value for our well-being together,” unanimously declared Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Patrick Goldschmidt, alderman responsible for mobility at the City of Luxembourg, Marc Wengler, Managing Director of the CFL, Helge Dorstewitz, currently director of new lines and successor to André Von der Marck, Managing Director of Luxtram, Alex Kies, Director of the public transport administration, Lex Bentner, Head of Public Transport at the City of Luxembourg and Mike Schoos, General Director of TICE.