Luxembourg has become the first country in the world to offer nationwide free public transport.

From Sunday March 1st, residents of the country of 614,000 people will no longer need a ticket to board any national buses, trains or trams.

The exception is for those who want to travel first class - they will have to pay a fee.

The free public transport scheme also ends at the country's border.

But the government says commuters from neighbouring countries will benefit from reduced fares.

Image: Facebook/Ville de Luxembourg

To celebrate the changeover, the city is holding a 'Transport Day'on Sunday.

A wide range of events are planned - including activities for children, concerts and food and drink.

There will also be a pedestrian rally with stops at various sites related to mass transit.

The price of the project is thought to be €41m in lost ticket fares - but that will be shouldered by the taxpayer.

Luxembourg has the highest 'motorisation rates' - passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants - in the European Union.

It had 670 passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants, according to Eurostat data from 2017.

However, this figure may be influenced by cross-border workers using company cars registered in the country.