Gov't considering public transport discount card to encourage less fuel consumption
The minority Cabinet is favorably considering a plan by the opposition party PRO to introduce a discount card for public transport this summer, insiders told NOS. €49 will get you unlimited off-peak trips by bus, tram, train, or metro for three months. This will cut fuel costs for people and lower fuel consumption.
Today, parliament is debating the measures the Cabinet presented on Monday to lessen the impact of the energy crisis caused by the United States and Israel’s war on Iran. They include an emergency fund for people who can’t afford their energy bills and an increase in the travel allowance employers pay their workers.
As Jetten I is a minority government, it will need support from opposition parties to pass its plans. PRO, formerly GroenLinks-PvdA, holds 20 seats in parliament and can easily help the government to a majority there. With 14 seats, the left-wing party can also get the coalition close to a majority in the Senate.
In recent days, the Cabinet has spoken with opposition parties to try to reach a majority for its measures. By picking up an opposition party’s plan, the Cabinet could secure that party’s support for its plans. The PRO proposal for a “Netherlands ticket” is particularly promising, the insiders said.
“Transport is becoming increasingly expensive. Soon, oil may also become scarcer,” PRO leader Jesse Klaver said. “Cheaper public transport is good for people’s wallets and helps in the energy crisis. We want public transport to be a good and affordable alternative to the car.”
The “Netherlands ticket” is not for commuters as it is only valid outside peak hours. Commuters will already get a higher travel allowance from their employer. This ticket is for people going to visit family or going for a day trip during the summer holidays. For them, travel will become about 60 percent cheaper, Klaver said. According to the PRO leader, this plan will cost the government €118 million.
Klaver told NOS that he is in close consultation with the Cabinet and coalition parties regarding this proposal. “I have high hopes that we will make it happen.”
A discount for public transport will be a relief for Dutch residents. Today, Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague and Harry van der Maas, a provincial executive in Zeeland, told the Telegraaf that public transport tickets will become 12 percent more expensive if the government doesn’t push more money into the sector.
