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Bus Travel

Long-Distance Bus Services under Threat

The Finnish Bus and Coach Association warns they may have to seriously cut back on long-distance bus services. The association says up to ten percent of long-distance bus departures could be cancelled if government’s plan to increase the diesel tax goes through. The association is also calling for more government support.

Image: Antti Kettumäki / YLE

The Finance Ministry has earmarked 41 million euros for bus travel. However, the association says this is about ten million euros short of what they need.

The association says 3,000 bus trips could be cancelled by the year 2012.

In recent years, thousands of bus trips between Finnish cities have been discontinued. The association blames the cancellations on the government. Government support for long-distance bus travel has been stagnant over the years, although bus costs have risen continuously.

There are about 30,000 bus trips between cities and towns in Finland each day.

Transport Minister Anu Vehviläinen adds that ticket prices will likely increase as well.

Sources: YLE