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The problem of congestion in public transport has been relevant during practically the entire pandemic. Last summer, calls and information weren’t enough for the capital region, and the Stockholm county administrative board asked the government to allow travelers to be turned away. Greater Stockholm Local Transport (SL) supported the proposal.
– We wanted to be able to act in public transport regarding the spread of the infection, to have the opportunity to give instructions to travelers, says Claes Keisu, press officer of SL.
Shortly after came two entrance, which complicated the picture. In part an investigation of the Swedish municipalities and regions (SKR) which showed that the powers already exist, and in part an opinion by the Police Authority which stated otherwise. SL chose to follow the police line, and no other public transport company has chosen to act differently, according to the Swedish Public Transport Industry Organization.
SL still expects the government to act and enable stricter powers.
– We do not have the opportunity to reject people or limit the number of people from public transport. It would be an additional opportunity for us to help reduce the spread of the infection, says Claes Keisu.
But a few miles northIn Uppsala, there is a different attitude. The region certainly has particularly strict advice on how to avoid public transportation, but even though there is still congestion on buses, UL does not see the need to be able to turn away passengers. It would be too difficult, says Helena Klange, UL’s press manager.
– There may be situations that are not fun for bus drivers or travelers, he says.
Local transport in Uppsala does not see the need to turn down passengers and justifies it by saying that it would be too difficult.
Photo: Claudio Bresciani / TT
Instead, UL relies on additional information, notices, and buses. In Skåne, which also has especially strict advice on public transport, Skånetrafiken reasons in the same way.
– If you stay earlier in line, you get a seat, while the bus is full for a nurse leaving later. Shouldn’t she go then? It is not our job to decide whether it is the nurse, the school student, or the firefighter who is allowed to go. It will be the choice of each individual, says Linus Eriksson, Skånetrafiken’s traffic director.
Are you too nice?
– I don’t think so, says Eriksson, who believes that passengers on public transport are singled out as a bigger problem than they really are.
– It is a shame for those who now travel by public transport. If you want to get down to work or study, without having any other alternative, then you are welcome.
SL in Stockholm also sees that there are practical difficulties in turning away travelers, but still believes greater powers are needed, says Claes Keisu.
Is the traveler’s own responsibility not enough?
– Apparently not. There are times when we wish not many would get on a bus, he says.
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