Employees banned from taking flights

Around 40,000 employees within Stockholm City Council are banned from flying from Stockholm to Gothenburg or Malmö. Instead, train journeys are to be incentivised, writes Environment and Climate Mayor Åsa Lindhagen (Green Party) in a debate article in Aftonbladet.

» Updated:

» Published:

Employees banned from taking flights
Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT

Share this article

Around 40,000 employees within Stockholm City Council are banned from taking flights from Stockholm to Gothenburg or Malmö.

Instead, train journeys are to be prioritised, writes Environment and Climate Commissioner Åsa Lindhagen (Green Party) in a debate article in Aftonbladet.

The decision comes at the same time as the government has chosen to proceed with proposals for halved air travel tax, Åsa Lindhagen notes, and the decision is intended not only to reduce emissions but also to "contribute to changing norms among people". The new travel policy will thus cover 40,000 employees, making Stockholm City Council one of Sweden's largest employers.

"In the first instance, digital meeting forms should be chosen when participants are not in the same location. In cases where travel is still necessary, trains and public transport should always be the first choice within Sweden and Europe. Furthermore, flights for business trips to Malmö and Gothenburg are prohibited. Instead, trains are to be prioritised", she writes.

Certain exceptions can be made, but then the highest manager in the administration must give their approval. Stockholm City Council will also set an internal price for flights that is 50 per cent above the actual price, it is written. The surplus funds will then be put into a pot to be used for planting trees in Stockholm.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Swedish Worker in His 20s Dies in Norway Oil Refinery Accident

Swedish Worker in His 20s Dies in Norway Oil Refinery Accident

Motorcycle Crash in Tanum Leaves Driver Critically Injured

Motorcycle Crash in Tanum Leaves Driver Critically Injured

Thunberg's Convoy Representatives Meet with Hamas in Algeria

Thunberg's Convoy Representatives Meet with Hamas in Algeria

Greta Thunberg Steps Down from Gaza Flotilla Steering Group

Greta Thunberg Steps Down from Gaza Flotilla Steering Group

Motorcyclist in Malmö Accident Arrested After Knife Threat

Motorcyclist in Malmö Accident Arrested After Knife Threat

Shooting at Norsborg Apartment Door Sparks Police Investigation

Shooting at Norsborg Apartment Door Sparks Police Investigation

Head-On Collision Near Falkenberg Sends Three to Hospital

Head-On Collision Near Falkenberg Sends Three to Hospital

Säpo Budget Increases to Counter Russian Security Threat

Säpo Budget Increases to Counter Russian Security Threat

Police Admit Legal Breach in Case of Missing 14-Year-Old Mohamed

Police Admit Legal Breach in Case of Missing 14-Year-Old Mohamed

Parliament Approves Secret Coercive Measures for Children Under 15

Parliament Approves Secret Coercive Measures for Children Under 15

Cyberattack Hits Defense-Linked Companies in Sweden

Cyberattack Hits Defense-Linked Companies in Sweden

Postnord Sorting Machine Breakdown Delays 70,000 Packages

Postnord Sorting Machine Breakdown Delays 70,000 Packages

Student Injured in Suspected Attempted Murder at Bengtsfors School

Student Injured in Suspected Attempted Murder at Bengtsfors School

Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder in Borås Stabbing

Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder in Borås Stabbing

Second Arrest Made in Kallhäll Double Murder Investigation

Second Arrest Made in Kallhäll Double Murder Investigation

Centre Party Leader Rejects Role as Fifth Tidö Party

Centre Party Leader Rejects Role as Fifth Tidö Party

Main Line Reopens October 6 After Västernorrland Train Derailment

Main Line Reopens October 6 After Västernorrland Train Derailment

Man in 30s Dies in Örnsköldsvik Traffic Accident

Man in 30s Dies in Örnsköldsvik Traffic Accident

Criticism of Sweden's Benefit Cap: Impact on Children's Rights

Criticism of Sweden's Benefit Cap: Impact on Children's Rights

Salmonella Outbreak in Sweden Linked to Local Egg Producer

Salmonella Outbreak in Sweden Linked to Local Egg Producer