New Aalborg transport system disrupts children’s school journeys

A new, automated school transport system in Aalborg Municipality has caused major disruption for children attending special schools and other specialised programmes, DR reports. Some arrive late, are collected before the school day ends or face repeated changes to their travel times and drivers.

At the Lytzen family’s home in Svenstrup, the system has affected 16 year old Lucas, 13 year old Mille and nine year old Nilas, who have different diagnoses and receive transport to schools across the municipality.

Lucas, who has ADHD and childhood autism, was not provided with transport when the school term began two weeks ago. He must travel about 18 kilometres from Svenstrup to Aalborg East. The family does not have a car, and although Lucas can take the city bus and change in the city centre, the journey is highly demanding for him, his mother Betina Lytzen says.

“The many people, sounds and smells drain his energy. So when he arrives at school, he has very little energy left. That is why he can only attend school every other day and follow a greatly reduced timetable,” she says.

The family has also experienced problems with transport for Mille, who has ADHD, and Nilas, who has an intellectual disability and childhood autism. A driver may first collect Nilas, then pick up other children before returning for Mille, after which they all travel to their schools.

“It is completely absurd, and I think it is a clear sign that no person is making the route plan and that no person is checking it before it is sent to the parents,” Lytzen says.

Parents report problems in Facebook group

Children are typically granted transport to special schools, special kindergartens and other specialised programmes because they have disabilities, anxiety, autism or ADHD and need structure and security.

BHov, an association for parents of children with special needs, says it has heard from many frustrated parents. They report that their children are not receiving the agreed transport, are arriving late or being collected before the school day ends, and are experiencing frequent changes to travel times and drivers.

The disruption is placing a heavy burden on both children and families, says Marlene Quist, chair of BHov.

“Arriving late at school is very difficult for many children. Being collected early and meeting completely new drivers and companies every day is extremely stressful for these children,” she says.

Officials say they are working to resolve complaints

The new, more automated system was introduced at the start of the school term to make more efficient use of the many taxis providing scheduled flex transport.

Dorte Jespersgaard, head of Aalborg’s Citizen Service and Transport Office, says the office has been overwhelmed by enquiries and complaints.

“We understand the criticism and the concern. It is a new system that we all have to learn,” she says.

Jespersgaard says the system may be adequate once the complaints have been addressed, but she cannot say when transport will operate satisfactorily again.

“I cannot give a date, but we are working at full speed. The employees are very dedicated to getting it working optimally again. We are doing everything we can,” she says.

Lucas has received the transport he was assigned since Monday. BHov says many other children are still waiting for their allocated transport or for changes that will allow them to get to school and specialised programmes.