Geneva Makes Public Transport Free Amid Ozone Pollution Spike

Geneva Makes Public Transport Free Amid Ozone Pollution Spike
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Geneva has made public transport free for a limited period as part of emergency measures to tackle a sharp rise in ozone pollution, Reuters reported. The World Health Organization has identified the city in western Switzerland as experiencing dangerously high ozone levels, which can trigger breathing difficulties, headaches, and asthma attacks.

Local authorities stated that ozone concentrations exceeded the environmental safety threshold of 180 micrograms per cubic meter within 24 hours. Rising temperatures, reaching 37 degrees Celsius, combined with low cloud cover, have slowed the dispersion of pollutants.

To reduce emissions, the canton suspended ticketing on buses, trams, and trains, encouraging residents and visitors to leave cars at home. Only low-emission vehicles are permitted in the city center between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Authorities emphasized that the emergency measures aim to lower nitrogen oxide emissions and alleviate pollution until conditions improve.