Free public transport in Brussels for under-25s and over-65s

Public transport in Brussels will be made free for every resident under 25 and over 65 from next summer, the Stib has announced.

The measure has received the approval of the Brussels government and is expected to cost about €12 million a year.

"We need to see what the budgetary implications of this measure are," said mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt. "The 2020 budget is currently under discussion."

Young people aged 12-24 currently pay a reduced rate of €50 for a Stib annual season ticket, provided they are in education for at least 20 hours a week. From July 2020, under-25s will travel free whether they are studying or not.

Passengers over 65 currently pay €60 per year - although free travel is already available to some older travellers on means-tested benefits.