One third of Zealand’s regional bus services at risk of cuts

A newly formed Danish megaregion may need to cut around 100 million kroner from its public transport budget, potentially eliminating a third of all regional bus routes on Zealand, DR reports.

The warning comes from Lars Gaardhøj (S), chair of the upcoming Region Østdanmark, which will merge Region Sjælland and Region Hovedstaden from 2027. In a letter to 46 municipal mayors, Gaardhøj stated that without additional state funding, the region faces mandatory savings of 148 million kroner—with roughly 100 million expected to come from bus operations.

“This is a very serious situation,” Gaardhøj wrote, emphasizing that the cuts would disrupt access to work, education, and healthcare for many residents.

The proposed reductions stem from Denmark’s healthcare reform, which alters state funding distribution when regions merge. Under the new model, Region Østdanmark will receive less overall funding for tasks like public transport and environmental initiatives than the two current regions combined.

Local leaders have expressed alarm. Michael Ralf Larsen, SF mayor of Lejre Municipality—where many areas lack train service—called regional buses “a lifeline” for communities. “If these connections disappear, our local cohesion will weaken significantly,” he told DR.

In Halsnæs Municipality, north of Copenhagen, Route 320R—the sole bus linking the area to neighboring Gribskov and Frederikssund—is marked for elimination in preliminary plans. Steffen Jensen (S), Halsnæs’ mayor, warned that without the route, residents without cars “won’t be able to reach healthcare services in Frederikssund.”

Kasper Wiberg Nilsson, a teacher’s aide who relies on the 320R for his commute, said losing the line would “completely upend my daily routine” and force lengthy detours.

Gaardhøj stressed that no final decisions have been made, noting that regional leaders will negotiate with the national government this spring. “I don’t believe the broad majority behind the healthcare reform intended these consequences,” he said, expressing optimism that a solution could be found before the region’s 2027 launch.