Domestic News ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland )
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*Buses and trains at risk:* Region must find 60 million kroner in a short time
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The North Denmark Region will approach politicians in Copenhagen to get help covering a large hole in its budget.
Bus routes in rural districts in particular may be at risk of closing, says regional council member Susanna Flydtkjær (Photo: © Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix) 5 minutes ago
- It is a staggering amount.
That is what Susanne Flydtkjær (EL) says about the money that she and the rest of the regional council in North Jutland must find one way or another.
Public transport is in a serious situation. Rising fuel prices and fewer young people choosing the bus and train are some of the reasons why Nordjyllands Trafikselskab (North Jutland Transport Company) is short 60 million kroner for next year.
- I especially fear that we will have to reduce or close departures in rural districts, where people depend on the buses to get to work, says Susanne Flydtkjær.
She sits on the committee for environment, mobility, and education, which has received a number of proposals from Nordjyllands Trafikselskab on how to find the money.
They involve both some routes getting fewer departures and some routes being cut entirely.
- If you ask me, it all looks equally bad, says Susanne Flydtkjær.
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Counting on outside help
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If the North Denmark Region is to avoid discontinuing routes, it requires money coming from Copenhagen, says Poul Kristensen (S), chairman of the committee for environment, mobility, and education.
- From the parliament's side, they have said that they want strong public transport. We actually think we are doing as well as we can with the resources available to us, he says.
Committee chairman Poul Kristensen does not believe the region can solve the difficult situation with public transport on its own. (Photo: © Region Nordjylland)
Earlier this summer, the government announced that it would provide a lifeline for public transport due to rising fuel prices – particularly to avoid bus routes in rural districts being closed.
Read also: The government will secure bus routes in rural areas with a 'large million-kroner amount' ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/regeringen-vil-sikre-busruter-i-landomraaderne-med-stort-millionbeloeb )
But according to Poul Kristensen, the region has not yet heard exactly how much money it can expect to receive.
- So our task now is to approach Christiansborg to get clarification, he says.
DR has attempted to get a comment from Transport Minister Signe Munk (SF), but it has not been possible.
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