Article categories: News
Hop on Lifti for free on 22 September – Vaasa celebrates Mobility Week
Published: 15.9.2025
The City of Vaasa is offering free bus rides on Car-Free Day, Monday 22 September. The offer applies to all Lifti lines excluding service buses.
On Car-Free Day, Lifti buses will be free for all residents from morning to evening. The day is a great opportunity to try using the bus and to explore timetables and routes for free.
– We want to encourage everyone to travel sustainably and give Lifti a try. Travelling by bus is an eco-friendly choice, and we hope more and more people will see the bus as a viable alternative to a car, says Pertti Hällilä, Transport Manager at the City of Vaasa.
Car-Free Day is part of European Mobility Week, which is celebrated annually from 16 to 22 September. During Mobility Week, people are encouraged to reflect on their everyday travel choices and their impact on society, health, and the environment. In addition, European cities and municipalities organise events and highlight initiatives that promote sustainable travel.
Transport is a major source of emissions
Vaasa, winner of the EU’s prestigious Green Leaf 2026 environmental award, is aiming to be carbon neutral by the end of the 2020s. Transport is a major source of emissions, and Vaasa is working to reduce them by promoting public transport, cycling, and walking. For example, the city is currently running a campaign to encourage seniors to walk more, and over the summer residents were invited to explore their city by cycling.
Even small changes in mobility habits can result in significant savings. Walking, cycling, and using public transport are good for the environment and the climate, as they help reduce fuel consumption. They are also more affordable options than using a car.
The official opening of the outdoor activity trail network
During Mobility Week, Vaasa will also celebrate the completion of an outdoor activity trail network stretching approximately 70 kilometres. The trail network will be officially opened with an outdoor event on Saturday 20 September 2025, from 11 to 14 at the Metsäkallio fitness track car park.
The event will feature a programme for the whole family, and the City of Vaasa will treat the first 400 participants to crêpes, coffee, juice, and tea! See the programme here.
Vaasa has been named a European Green Leaf City for 2026. The European Commission awards this recognition annually to cities that promote sustainable development and work systematically for the environment and climate.