On January 5th, 2021, Västtrafik implemented a price increase of 2.6 percent for adult and youth passengers. Your daily commute or weekend outings might cost you a bit more now. However, passengers with student cards and frequent travelers experienced a slightly higher growth of 2.5 percent. This change came amidst a challenging period for Västtrafik, as the company faced recruitment difficulties and struggled to manage tram traffic problems in Gothenburg city. Despite these challenges, Västtrafik, always valuing its passengers, may continue to raise prices, with no clear indication of how this will impact the quality of service.
During the summer and autumn, Västtrafik experienced a significant shortage of bus and tram drivers, which led to service reductions. The company reduced services to cope with the shortage to avoid further confusion and ensure smooth operations. However, this continues to be a significant challenge, and there is a critical need for more bus drivers in Västra Götaland, particularly in Gothenburg. According to Caj Louma of Transportföretagen, at least 35 drivers are required to ensure regular tramway services in Gothenburg.
The ongoing driver shortage has led to a decrease in tram frequency, with trams arriving every 20 minutes instead of every 10 minutes, causing significant inconvenience for passengers across Gothenburg city. However, it’s important to note that Västtrafik is not sitting idle. The company is actively working to resolve the situation and restore its services to their previous levels. Despite these challenges, Västtrafik remains committed to its passengers and strives to improve its services.
Written By Zaid Hamam