Aarhus cuts bus and light rail fares to 15 kroner

Aarhus City Council has approved a 15-kroner fare for bus and light rail journeys within the municipality from 2027, DR reports. The municipality has allocated 35 million kroner a year to the scheme.

For commuters travelling from Lystrup to central Aarhus, the price is currently around 36 kroner each way. From next year, the same journey will cost 15 kroner each way under the new fare.

The decision was welcomed by passengers at bus stops in Aarhus. Student Jacob Falk said he uses public transport every day and expects the lower fare to make a significant difference to his budget.

Student Sara Dahl also welcomed the change, saying public transport can cost around 100 kroner a week. She said the cheaper tickets could make it easier for her to take the bus instead of cycling.

Supplier Andreas Jones, who often cycles, said the lower fare would be particularly useful during winter when roads become slippery.

Social services face cuts

The fare reduction comes as the social services sector is set to face budget cuts. Dahl, who works in social services, said she felt caught between the competing priorities.

Anna Chili, another student, defended the decision. She said savings had to be made in some areas to support others and described the prioritisation as reasonable.

Mayor hopes to reduce car use

Aarhus Mayor Anders Winnerskjold of the Social Democrats said cheaper public transport would encourage people to choose alternatives to cars. He pointed to congestion problems in Aarhus and said the measure would provide a greener and cheaper option, particularly for people with limited financial resources.

Winnerskjold acknowledged that some residents might disagree with the priority, but said most of the municipality’s budget continued to support core welfare services, including care for older people, children and social services.

The cheaper fare will not apply to the blue buses.