Danish boarding school students welcome free public transport for under-22s

A government pledge to spend 2 billion kroner on free public transport for children and young people under 22 has been met with approval by students at Grejsdalens Efterskole in Vejle, state broadcaster DR reports.

Lydia Sode Lund, 17, said the policy would ease financial pressure on students who frequently travel between school and home. “I think it will take some weight off my shoulders,” she told DR. A fellow student from Bornholm, Rakel Blaaberg Rasmussen, described weekend travel costs as “insanely expensive,” adding that the expense often limits how often students can visit family.

Both students suggested the policy could influence decisions on whether to obtain a driver’s licence. “If you no longer have to worry about spending money on public transport, it’s easier to just say you don’t want to spend 15,000–20,000 kroner on getting one,” Sode Lund said.

Leif Kruse, headmaster at Grejsdalens Efterskole, said free transport could also affect school choices, as parents may be more willing to send children to institutions farther from home. “They might think it doesn’t matter as much if they go a bit farther, since public transport is free,” he said, noting the school’s proximity to train and bus links could become a stronger draw.

The policy is expected to take effect under the new government, set to be appointed on Wednesday.