As of yesterday, only half of the seats on buses and trains running on routes longer than 150 kilometers can be sold. The rule is being introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The restrictions come into effect on Sunday, February 14th and will remain in effect until May 31st of this year.
The reason is fear of the new virus mutations and that the spread of infection remains at a high level.
”"There is a risk of a third wave and the situation could quickly deteriorate," said Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren (S) when the measure was presented on Tuesday.
Operators are now only allowed to sell tickets for half of the available seats on current routes. However, tickets that have already been booked will still be valid, even if they result in more than half of the seats being occupied.
The operators are responsible for ensuring that trains and buses are not more than half full. And it is the county administrative boards that are responsible for monitoring that the rules are followed.
SJ pointed out in its response to the consultation that there are many train lines even over 150 kilometers where people travel in unreserved seats. The company proposed that the 50 percent requirement should only apply to routes with mandatory seat reservations, but this was not accepted.
Source:TT
