Åkturen a public “hop on hop of bus”
About this good practice
Åkturen is a public “hop on hop of bus” to peripheral and rural turism hot spots. It’s a new way of using public transport for promoting and to develope businesses in peripheral and rural areas without increasing car traffic and emissions.
The region that the bus operates in offers a variety of attractions, including 10 places to visit such as local cuisine, hotels as well as 12 hiking trails in deep beech forests. You pay and buy your ticket through the same channels as for public transport.
The steering group for the good practice involves the World Heritage Grimeton, Öströö Fårfarm, Ästad vingård, the county board of Halland and the public transport company, Hallandstrafiken.
Resources needed
The Municipality is responsible and also the main financier of the bus and buys the traffic from the public transport company. The bus also gets part of its funding from ticket revenues, the country board, the public transportation company as well as from the tourism destinations in the area.
Evidence of success
A good result in number of passengers that increased with 25%, 2024. Great visibility for sustainable travel, as the bus is striped and acts as a billboard for peripheral and rural tourism. The public opinion is very positive. The bus has been operating now for six years.
One of the key advantages is that you can reach peripheral and rural tourism destinations without needing a car. This initiative is a significant rural development activity.
Potential for learning or transfer
We have a report in Swedish for others that would like to try the same concept. Learning has already occurred among other locations in Sweden. Need to include some bigger tourism companies that are located where the public transport is limited.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.