Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: © Sam74100 | Dreamstime.com
Public transport will be temporarily free in Geneva, for the first time in Switzerland, as part of a set of measures meant to combat a wave of pollution in the city, reports Reuters.
Geneva, located in the Francophone in western Switzerland, is facing a high level of ozone pollution, a harmful gas that can cause breathing difficulties, headaches and asthma, according to the World Health Organization.
The air pollution monitoring system (anti-Song) of the city indicated that the level of ozone concentration has exceeded the safety threshold for the health of the environment of 180 micrograms per cubic meter, calculated over 24 hours, according to a statement from the Geneva canton.
On Tuesday, the temperatures reached 37 degrees Celsius, and the authorities issued heat warnings for western and southern Switzerland.
The high temperatures and the lack of clouds favor the accumulation of ozone pollutants and delay their dispersion, transmitted for Reuters the Environment Office of the Geneva Canton.
In response, on Wednesday, for the first time, public transport was free throughout the canton, to encourage inhabitants and visitors to give up cars in favor of buses, trams, trains and boats, thus reducing traffic emissions.
“The measures taken within this emergency protocol aim to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, especially by promoting public transport and limiting the circulation of the most polluting vehicles,” the Environment Office said.
Authorities have announced that passengers will not need a ticket, and the controls will be suspended until the pollution level decreases.
Between 6:00 and 22:00, in the center of the city is allowed the traffic only low emission cars.
Photo: © Sam74100 | Dreamstime.com
