Lugano City Council Introduces New Public Transport Subsidy Policy to Ease Commuter Costs

The Lugano City Council has enacted a new policy that subsidizes public transportation fares for residents, targeting workers, students and seniors to reduce their commuting expenses through subsidized tickets and passes. The program took effect July 1, 2026, impacting users of the city’s bus and suburban train lines operated by Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi (TPL).

This policy was introduced amid rising living costs and inflation pressures observed across Ticino canton and throughout Switzerland, which have made daily transport expenses a growing burden for many households. A recent survey by the Canton of Ticino’s Department of Economic Development found that public transit costs comprised on average 12% of monthly household expenses for commuters outside of central Lugano, highlighting the need for financial relief.

Immediate Benefits for Lugano Residents

Under the new subsidy scheme, residents holding valid Lugano municipal identification can apply for discounted monthly passes at a rate reduced by up to 30%, depending on income level and age category. For example, a typical monthly pass for regular adult commuters, which previously cost CHF 70, is now available for CHF 49. The subsidy applies to all TPL lines operating within the city and its suburbs, making it easier and more affordable for residents working in or traveling to Lugano to rely on public transport.

Families with children attending schools within Lugano may also benefit through reduced ticket prices for students, which can decrease monthly transport costs by approximately CHF 15 per child. Meanwhile, seniors over 65 years of age are eligible for an additional 10% discount on already discounted concession fares for local transit.

Funding and Expected Outcomes

The city has allocated CHF 5 million from the 2026 municipal budget to fund this transit subsidy scheme, supplementing fare revenues and compensating TPL for reduced ticket costs. Policy documents from the July city budget meeting detail this appropriation as part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce private vehicle use within Lugano’s urban area.

TPL reports that prior targeted subsidies increased public transport ridership by an average of 7% over six months in pilot schemes undertaken in 2024 in surrounding Ticino municipalities. The city projects that the new program will similarly boost ridership, alleviating traffic congestion and lowering local air pollution levels.

Administrative responsibilities for processing subsidy applications and verifying eligibility rest with the Municipality’s Department of Social Services, which began accepting applications on July 1. Eligible residents are expected to receive their subsidized passes within two weeks of application approval, according to the department’s public notice.