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Bumpy buses with Christmas celebrating returnees.
This is a real risk according to the FlixBus company, which predicts that many will book their Christmas trip at the last minute.
SJ also sees bookings differ significantly ahead of the 2020 Christmas pandemic.
“We are like the rest of society waiting for advice,” says Simon Hermansson, SJ press communicator.
Few things have gone as planned during the coronation year. The same goes for travel reservations for Christmas. According to FlixBus and SJ, significantly fewer than usual at this time have obtained a Christmas ticket to a celebration with family and friends elsewhere, pending notification from the Swedish Public Health Agency.
– Usually we are already exhausted. Christmas is usually one of our most important travel weekends, but this year is not just any year, says Simon Hermansson, press communicator for SJ.
During the fall, the booking rate at SJ has decreased in line with the introduction of the town halls. Travelers book less in advance, which they also believe will apply before Christmas.
– We see some increase in Christmas, but in general people are waiting for advice and recommendations to see how they can move during Christmas. Only then can we see what effect it has on reserves, says Hermansson.
Photograph: Johan Nilsson / TT / TT NYHETSBYR≈N
There is a risk of crowded buses this Christmas.
“Risk what FHM wants to avoid”
The image is shared by the Flix bus company, which notes that Christmas reservations at this time are “very different.”
– We have very few reservations the days before Christmas, which is very unusual and this probably applies to our competitors as well. People are waiting for recommendations, which can mean that many people book last minute when there are no seats. We can’t put in more buses on short notice, says communications manager Kajsa Ekelund.
The company wants to encourage Swedes to spread the word about the trip and not wait until the last minute.
Would you like a clearer message from the Swedish Public Health Agency?
– I think it would be good for travelers. The problem with waiting too long is that there will be a lot of pressure in place and then you will risk exactly what the Public Health Agency wants to avoid, crowded buses and safe trains too. We want everyone who wants and has to travel to do so without having to worry, says Ekelund.
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / TT
SJ believes they can handle a high last minute demand.
“Waiting like everyone else”
However, SJ rejects the risk of congestion on trains. Preparation is in place to meet sudden, last-minute high demand, Hermansson says.
– We can extend trains and we can extend popular departures on city lines. A sold out train is not the same as a full train. We are not afraid of congestion, we block seats on all trains with mandatory seat reservation. During Christmas, we are even more scarce so that people can enter with Christmas gifts and luggage.
Would clearer, faster advice make Christmas planning easier for SJ?
– Recommendations greatly affect the booking rate, but we are prepared to meet a growing need quickly and safely. We are waiting, like the rest of society, for the advice that will arrive before Christmas and then we are ready to receive it, says Hermansson.
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