Bornholm is set to implement Denmark’s first flat-rate public bus fare, aiming to simplify fares and boost ridership across the island. The trial could become a national model for other regions facing similar challenges with public transportation.
Flat-Rate Fare: A First for Danish Public Transit
Bornholm’s local bus company, BAT (Bornholms Amts Trafikselskab), plans to introduce a flat fare of 29 Danish kroner (approx. $4.20 USD) for all local bus routes regardless of distance. Currently, the cost of a ticket from Nexø to Rønne, two popular towns on the island, can be as high as 85 kroner ($12.30 USD). Under the new fare model, all routes, whether short hops or cross-island trips, will cost the same.
BAT is the first transport provider in Denmark to propose eliminating zone-based fares, consolidating the island’s five fare zones into a single zone. The move is designed to simplify the fare structure and make public transportation more appealing, especially to cost-conscious and occasional riders.
Push for Higher Ridership
The new pricing strategy comes as part of BAT’s broader effort to restore ridership numbers that dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To manage losses, BAT slashed approximately 14,000 service hours from its annual schedule earlier this year, impacting the frequency and reach of some routes. The hope is that a simplified and lower fare will encourage more locals and tourists to choose the bus over private vehicles.
Transport policy experts, including researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), have advocated for similar reforms on a national level. A Ministry of Transport working group recently recommended cutting Denmark’s complex system of approximately 1,000 fare zones down to just seven across the country to create a clearer and more user-friendly system. The trial on Bornholm could serve as a real-world test case for wider implementation.
Public Support – and Skepticism
Initial local reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Many island residents are enthusiastic about the cost savings, especially those who rely on public transit for longer routes. However, there is growing concern about how the reduced fare will impact the finances of Bornholm’s regional government, particularly if fare revenues decrease and must be offset by public funds.
Some residents fear the initiative could strain the region’s budget, potentially leading to spending cuts in other public services such as education or eldercare. While cheaper fares are attractive, the long-term sustainability of such a model remains in question.
Challenges Beyond Pricing
While the flat fare is expected to increase bus usage, critics argue that pricing alone won’t resolve all of the island’s public transport issues. One of the key pain points remains the current bus schedule. Locals and tourists alike have expressed frustration with bus times that don’t align with ferry arrivals and departures. In some cases, visitors to Bornholm have faced wait times of up to two hours after arriving at Rønne Harbor by ferry before a bus is available.
The lack of synchronization between bus and ferry schedules not only reduces the utility of public transport but also deters potential tourists, a crucial source of income for the island.
A Model for the Rest of Denmark?
Despite the challenges, Bornholm’s experiment is drawing national interest. If successful, it could pave the way for similar fare system reforms across rural and regional areas of Denmark. Experts praise the flat-rate as a step toward making public transit more competitive with car travel, particularly for people in less densely populated areas where alternatives are limited.
Bornholm’s policymakers must still formally approve the proposal before any changes go into effect. As public transport providers nationwide look for sustainable and user-friendly solutions, all eyes will be on this small Baltic Sea island to see whether simplifying prices can lead to smarter, more inclusive transit.
