Despite the December snow, on Sunday 10, 2017, in the presence of the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa as well as Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, and a large contingent of delegates, the capital’s new LuxTram was launched along with the funicular – an exciting undertaking that connects the valley of Pfaffenthal to Kirchberg – and two new train stops in Pfaffenthal and Howald.
The crowds were out in full force for this happy and historic event, which also included Francois Bausch, Minister of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, Lydie Polfer, Mayor of Luxembourg City. In a beautiful historically preserved European city such as Luxembourg City, traffic can be an issue. This is particularly true in light of the fact that, according to Eurostat, the statistics office of the European Communities, the population of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg could possibly reach 1,066,377 in 2080, adding considerable pressure to circulation in and around the city. It is precisely for this reason that the Luxembourg Government is putting time and effort into the promotion of a more modern concept of mobility that integrates better, “… the train, the tram, the car, the bike and pedestrians and which improves mobility in Luxembourg and in the country,” according to Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
Interest in this project has been huge from the population and not only because of the much-improved traffic and commuter flows that these additions to the city will facilitate. The LuxTram and funicular, along with the striking Pfaffenthal lift which was inaugurated in July of 2016 and allows people riding it a spectacular view, breathe new life into an area of the city, which was largely hidden, and are attractions in themselves for residents and tourists alike.
As an added bonus, the new means of public transport will run free until January 31, 2018.
For more information on LuxTram
Also, see The Luxembourg Times