From July 15th, all seats on long-distance public transport can be booked. However, even though full capacity is allowed again, travel companies are urging people to continue to adhere to the restrictions.
– You will be able to travel as before the pandemic, but of course continue to show consideration, says Tobbe Lundell, press manager at SJ.
On Monday, the government announced that several restrictions will be lifted from July 15, which is part of stage 3 of the plan to phase out the restrictions. The stage includes, among other things, allowing all seats on long-distance public transport by train and bus to be reserved.
Until July 15, only half of the seats could be booked. But now you can once again have another passenger next to you. This also applies to those who booked their ticket with SJ previously between July 15 and August 15.
– If you bought a ticket with a so-called blocked seat, that restriction no longer applies. So it may be different if you think you shouldn't sit next to anyone, says Tobbe Lundell.
Increased demand for travel
The bus and train company Flixbus/Flixtrain is relieved by the news.
– The demand for travel has increased this summer and is almost back to what it was before the pandemic. We are happy to be able to open up all seats, says Kajsa Ekelund, Head of Communications at Flixbus/Flixtrain.
Flixbus/Flixtrain also urges its passengers to continue to adhere to the restrictions.
– Like staying home if you have symptoms. We will also continue with the extra cleaning that was implemented during the pandemic and having hand sanitizer on board, says Kajsa Ekelund.
This applies if you no longer want to travel.
If you have a booked ticket, but feel worried about traveling now, SJ's flexibility levels work as usual. If you have chosen a rebookable trip, you can rebook for a later time. If you have a cancelable trip, you can cancel and get your money back. If you book a ticket, it is not a free cancellation/rebooking as it was at the beginning of the pandemic.
– If you haven't purchased with any level of flexibility, you can contact our customer service and we can see what we can do, says Tobbe Lundell.
On Flixbus/Flixtrain it is also possible to cancel and rebook.
– We encourage our travelers to plan ahead and book well in advance, as both the ticket price and the rebooking fee are more advantageous. It is easier to cancel or change your trip if you are in advance, says Kajsa Ekelund.
Source: svt.se
