Bus Drivers Expose Deadly Secrets Behind the Wheel

Maria van der Vliet

Writer

January 20, 2026
9:19 pm

Bus drivers in eastern Jutland raise serious safety concerns after a deadly crash, claiming poor maintenance and repeated mechanical failures. The bus operator denies the accusations but pledges to review the claims once documentation is provided.

Bus Drivers Sound the Alarm Over Safety Issues

In eastern Jutland, bus drivers have spoken out following a fatal bus collision that killed two passengers on Route 123 between Aarhus and Ebeltoft. Ten drivers signed an open letter accusing the bus operator, GoCollective, of neglecting maintenance and ignoring repair needs. The drivers say they have reported repeated issues with the buses for months, but little has changed.

The crash on Route 123 occurred on January 14, when two buses collided head-on. Dozens were injured and two passengers lost their lives. The tragic event drew comparisons to a previously reported head-on bus crash near Aarhus, highlighting rising concerns over vehicle safety in regional public transport.

Recurring Technical Failures Reported

According to line representative Brian Brink Plagborg, who represents 15 drivers, buses on the route have long suffered from both minor and serious technical faults. He says maintenance delays and temporary fixes have become the norm. On the same day as the fatal crash, he experienced his bus jumping out of gear three times before he stopped and requested a new one. The replacement bus, however, had already been flagged for steering problems but had not been repaired.

The drivers claim this example reflects a widespread issue within GoCollective’s fleet. They have reportedly raised similar concerns multiple times since last summer, warning that these technical problems pose a safety risk to both drivers and passengers.

Company Response and Investigation

GoCollective, which operates several Jutland routes, says it cannot recognize the picture painted by its employees. In a written statement, the company stressed that no driver should operate a bus they find unsafe and that all reported technical faults are documented and handled. Management also stated that the recent public allegations are serious but lack the detailed documentation required for a formal internal investigation.

The company’s CEO, Henrik La Cour, explained that GoCollective has requested proof and further explanation from those making the claims. Once the evidence is received, the company says it will investigate the matter thoroughly.

Midttrafik, the regional authority responsible for public transport across Aarhus and Djursland, stated that it will get to the bottom of the case before making any conclusions. Its next steps will depend on discussions with GoCollective.

Drivers Push Back and Demand Change

Meanwhile, the drivers have agreed not to drive buses with serious mechanical issues. They have also urged management to take more decisive action to ensure safety and repair vehicles promptly. The signatories of the open letter believe that responsibility should rest with the company, arguing that it is not their role to prove the vehicles are unsafe but rather GoCollective’s duty to demonstrate that they are roadworthy.

Despite internal efforts to raise the alarm, Plagborg and his colleagues claim their concerns have been met with vague explanations and delays. They cite reasons such as budget limitations and busy workshops, which they say should never justify operating vehicles in poor condition.

Public and Industry Pressure Builds

The debate around the safety of buses operated under private contracts continues to grow. With both passengers and authorities watching closely, the incident on Route 123 may mark a turning point for safety practices in Denmark’s regional transport sector. For now, GoCollective stands by its record and promises further review once the required documentation is shared.