news recently wrote that there are different upper age limits when a student can travel with a student discount in the counties. For example, 30-year-old Julie in Nordland cannot travel with a student discount, while it is entirely possible in Agder. The Green Party (MDG) wants to change this, according to party leader Arild Hermstad. – We know that many students are struggling to pay their bills now. The discount should be an offer that applies to all students. And at least when a third of the students are over 30 years old. – It is unfair that there is a different age limit from county to county. We believe the government should prioritize this, says the party leader. Today, the state gives support to the county councils, which will give a 40 per cent discount on period cards for students under 30 years of age. The counties are free to extend this offer. Julie Trulsvik Rasmussen thinks that the MDG now wants to raise the age limit is absolutely brilliant. – It is very good and important. It is not just the finances of the students that are at issue, but it is also good for the environment that more people take public transport. There should be room for you to get the same offers as a full-time student, no matter how old you are. Julie Trulsvik Rasmussen is happy that MDG is taking up the fight for student tickets. Photo: Henning Winnem Sørelv / news Is the MDG good enough? The MDG has proposed to transport minister Jon-Ivar Nygård (Ap) to increase this support to apply to students up to the age of 40 in the first instance. – But in principle the discount should apply to all students, he says. Party leader Arild Hermstad (MDG) says that they will increase the age limit for students. Photo: Gerd Johanne Braadland / news The Transport Minister says that as long as the counties themselves are responsible for both rates, age limits and discounts, there will be differences. – I think the current arrangement is good enough, partly because it gives room for the counties and train companies to establish better arrangements. We currently have no plans to change the age limit, he writes. – Does not take the issue seriously Hermstad is not satisfied with the answer to the minister, and believes the government does not take the issue seriously. – Unfortunately, we see once again that the government does not take seriously the fact that many people in Norway are struggling with high bills, and that the collective fare is extremely expensive in many places. Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård believes that the current arrangement is good enough. Photo: Tom Balgaard / news The Minister of Transport has not had the opportunity to be interviewed about the case, but State Secretary Cecilie Kroglund Knibe (Ap) defends the current arrangement. – We believe that we spend quite a lot of money on public transport, which works well. Today’s offer covers most travelers within this scheme. – In addition, there is an opportunity for regions with different challenges and needs, so they have the opportunity for improvements and special initiatives, she says. Meeting the needs Knibe adds that it becomes a local democracy when the counties decide for themselves, and that they know their areas best. – That it is different in the counties is a natural cause of the distribution of responsibilities and the organization of the public transport sector in Norway, and that it is the county council that manages public transport. Knibe further elaborates that students travel mostly by public transport within their own county, and that most cross-county journeys take place between Viken and Oslo. – The public transport company Ruter is responsible there, and has the same tariff, she informs. – Then we believe that the big money hits where the greatest need lies. Cecilie Kroglund Knibe in the Ministry of Transport thinks it is good that the counties decide for themselves. Photo: Kai Stokkeland Hermstad says he is a supporter of the counties having the last word, being responsible for public transport and being able to have their own offers. But believes that the state should help the counties to provide better services for public transport. – The collective offer is not good enough and very expensive in several places. – Then the state’s economic muscles can ensure that there is coordination across the counties and they should be able to do that while retaining local self-government, he says.
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Will not increase the age limit on student tickets – news Nordland
