GroenLinks-PvdA proposes €9 climate ticket for off-peak travel

GroenLinks-PvdA believes that, for 9 euros a month, people should be able to travel nationwide during off-peak hours. MP Habtamu de Hoop introduced the idea of a temporary “climate ticket” during a public transport debate, aimed at addressing rising fuel costs. The ticket would run from May through September.

De Hoop proposes financing the plan by cancelling the planned cut in transfer tax on properties not intended for owner occupancy. He also indicated that he is open to alternative funding options.

Some parliamentary groups responded with cautious approval. Hidde Heutink of Groep Markuszower supports making public transport more affordable, but is less convinced by De Hoop’s climate framing. Heutink noted that the connection could open possibilities, perhaps the funding could come from the climate fund.

Although GroenLinks-PvdA has renamed itself Progressief Nederland, it continues to use its former name in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament. The party had previously proposed a 59-euro-per-month “climate ticket” in its election program last year.

Dion Huidekooper from coalition party D66 expressed support for De Hoop’s proposal. “I am eager to work together with you on this,” he said. He did ask, though, whether cheaper public transport could continue beyond September 1. De Hoop responded that he would like that too, but it would come at a higher cost.

MP Björn Schutz said the VVD is receptive to the plan but voiced concerns about how it would be financed. He did not propose any alternative funding sources.

NS is “doubly positive” about the proposal. “It’s encouraging to see public transport viewed as a solution. There is still ample room for additional passengers during off-peak times; a seat on our trains is occupied only 30 percent of the day, even though peak hours remain very crowded.”