Danish Passenger Transport has proposed the closure of 59 smaller train stations in Denmark to significantly reduce travel times on certain routes. The organization suggests that closing these stations, primarily in Jutland, could make train journeys up to 44 percent faster on some routes.

According to Jyllands-Posten, Alexander Höilund, a business policy consultant at Danish Passenger Transport, stated that closing five stations on the Herning-Skjern route alone could result in a 44 percent reduction in travel time. The proposal aims to improve the efficiency and attractiveness of train travel, potentially drawing more passengers.

Professor and traffic researcher Otto Anker Nielsen from DTU supports the idea of closing smaller stations, suggesting that the saved funds could be reinvested to increase train frequency. He argues that shorter travel times would ultimately benefit passengers and boost ridership.

While acknowledging the potential benefits, Steffen Damsgaard, chairman of the National Association of Rural Districts, expressed concerns about the impact on local communities. He emphasized the need for thorough analysis and local involvement in the decision-making process. Damsgaard recognizes the need for efficiency but urges caution regarding the consequences for rural areas.

Höilund acknowledged that Danish Passenger Transport’s members include companies in the bus and taxi industry, and fewer train stops could potentially lead to increased bus services. However, he emphasized that the proposal is also based on findings from the Minister of Transport’s expert committee and international experiences, which suggest that buses could provide a more cost-effective service in some areas. The organization maintains that the proposal is based on a comprehensive assessment of public transport needs.

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen (V) welcomed the proposal and acknowledged the need to address the issue of slow train travel. He stated that the organization’s suggestions warrant serious consideration. The Minister is open to exploring ways to improve train travel efficiency but refrained from commenting specifically on the closure of train stations at this time.