Sweden’s governing coalition announces temporary nationwide cut to public transport fares

Sweden’s centre-right governing coalition and the Sweden Democrats will halve the price of monthly public transport passes across the country from 1 July to 31 December, party leaders confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday.

The temporary fare reduction, first reported by multiple media outlets on Monday, comes ahead of the autumn general election. Social Democrats transport secretary Tobias Baudin criticised the move as a short-term political tactic, stating: *“They have actively voted down all our proposals for better and cheaper public transport. Facing widespread dissatisfaction, they now want a temporary cut timed for the election.”*

Public broadcaster SVT carried the press conference live from 13:15 local time.