From Iceland — Mayor Believes It Realistic To Stop Using Cars

Mayor Believes It Realistic To Stop Using Cars

Published May 8, 2012

Reykjavík mayor Jón Gnarr believes that with the new mass transportation plan for the city underway, city residents could realistically stop using their cars in the capital area.
As reported, an ambitious plan to double up on the city bus service is underway. Many routes will double their frequency, start running earlier and finish later, while the Icelandic government intends to invest 1.25 billion ISK in the service over the next 10 years.
This was part of a deal signed between the bus company Strætó hf., capital area municipalities and the Icelandic government. Officially signed yesterday, Reykjavík mayor Jón Gnarr was among those in attendance.
Vísir reports that Jón is very pleased with the plan, hoping that it will increase the number of people who use the bus system.
“We will double the amount of available mass transportation,” he said. “This will naturally be a tremendous change for people living in the capital area. It will reduce air pollution and lead to a decrease in car traffic, and maybe give people the realistic option of not driving their cars but using solely mass transportation.”
For now, the bus service increase is planned for summer and fall, with service likely decreasing again in the winter, when people tend to use the bus less.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Next:
Previous:



Show Me More!