Residents of Region Zealand can look forward to upgraded bus and rail services starting in 2026, bringing more departures, shorter travel times, and improved access to education and workplaces. The changes come ahead of a major regional merger in 2027.
Transportation Improvements Despite Rising Costs
The Zealand Regional Council has approved the 2026 Public Transit Plan, maintaining existing transportation services while introducing significant enhancements. This comes even as the region faces increased costs, including a one-time expense of DKK 7.4 million for transitioning to a new travel card system and elevated carbon emission fees due to updated legislation. The region sees it as a needed step forward.
Still, the region is investing in public transportation, recognizing its importance in connecting communities, supporting education and job access, and fostering regional development. The plan includes both expanded services and more frequent departures on several bus and rail lines. It should help keep buses and trains running well.
Better Bus Connections and Increased Frequency
Several bus lines will see major improvements in 2026:
– Bus line 420, running between Slagelse and Holbæk, will operate every hour instead of every two hours during evenings and weekends. All trips will now include stops through Dianalund, offering better service to students commuting to educational institutions in the area. Sorø Municipality is co-funding this expansion.
– Bus line 102A, connecting Køge and Præstø, will make permanent a previous route change that reduced travel times to Copenhagen by up to 23 minutes. Since the adjustment, ridership has increased by 12 percent.
– Bus line 620R, linking Næstved and Præstø, will adopt a new route to better serve local schools and the military barracks in Næstved. This adjustment is projected to result in a 30 percent rise in passenger numbers.
Rail Upgrades and New Timetables
Rail services are also set for enhancement. Beginning in December 2026, the Østbanen railway will implement a new and improved timetable aimed at improving flexibility for daily commuters. Additionally, some regional bus lines, including buses 240 (Ringsted–Roskilde) and 680 (Næstved–Ringsted), will be permanently upgraded to R-bus lines, which offer more frequent service and faster travel.
Night service is also in development; pilot programs will be rolled out for the Odsherredsbanen and Østbanen lines using buses along rail routes, with trains expected to replace buses once infrastructure upgrades are complete.
Preparing for the Formation of Region East Denmark
In a major structural change coming January 1, 2027, Region Zealand and the Capital Region will merge into the new Region East Denmark. As a result, this 2026 Transit Plan marks the final independent transportation order from the current Region Zealand administration. Future transit planning will be conducted jointly for the merged region, encompassing all regional buses and local trains, including the popular R-net lines.
Over recent years, Region Zealand has invested heavily in public transit. This includes acquiring 24 new battery-powered trains, launching R-net bus lines with 30-minute intervals, and testing mobility solutions in rural areas. These changes position the region well ahead of its integration into Region East Denmark.
Continued Investments and Pilot Projects
As part of its long-term transit financing plan, the regional committee has allocated DKK 8 million for additional pilot projects, such as:
– A two-year test of hourly service on bus line 540 between Holbæk and Ringsted.
– Extensions of bus lines 460R (Slagelse–Ringsted) and 420 (Slagelse–Holbæk) to better connect students to regional campuses.
These forward-looking investments underline the region’s commitment to modern, efficient, and accessible public transportation.
Transit at a Glance
Currently, Region Zealand operates four local railways (Østbanen, Odsherredsbanen, Tølløsebanen, and Lollandsbanen) and co-finances 30 bus lines, including one S-bus route, 13 R-bus lines, and 16 general bus routes.
In 2026, total spending on public transit will reach DKK 431.8 million, integrating both operating costs and transition-related expenses. With the shift toward low-emission transport, the financial burden from CO₂ taxes is expected to decline over time.
These proactive strategies are designed to create a modern, accessible, and sustainable public transportation network across both urban and rural parts of Zealand, setting the stage for the broader reach and capabilities of the upcoming Region East Denmark.
