Consultation on subsidy scheme for long-distance buses

Yrkestrafikkforbundet has provided input to the Norwegian Railway Directorate's proposal for a new subsidy scheme for long-distance buses. The association is positive about measures that can strengthen the competitiveness of buses compared to other forms of transport, including rail and air.

At the same time, the union points out that the long-distance bus market today is characterized by major differences in organization and framework conditions. While public transport operated by tender is well regulated through clear requirements for wages and working conditions, long-distance buses are often positioned between tender-regulated public transport and commercial express bus traffic. This provides room for strong price and competitive pressure.

Yrkestrafikkforbundet points to experiences from other parts of the transport sector, where lack of regulation has led to social dumping and weakened seriousness. The association believes it is important to think preventively, rather than trying to clean up after unfortunate practices have taken hold.

In its response to the consultation, the union emphasizes that any subsidy scheme must set clear requirements for wages and working conditions. It must be clarified which wage regulations, collective agreements and regulations will apply, and how to prevent foreign players from pressuring the conditions in the Norwegian market.

Yrkestrafikkforbundet asks the Norwegian Railway Directorate to take these suggestions into account in its further work, so that a subsidy scheme contributes to orderly conditions, fair competition and a serious working life.