Public transport based on the needs of the many

Over 300 pages on public transport discuss how it can be improved in the future. It talks about design, implementation, and where the Borgarlína (city line) will travel. People waiting for better public transport do not need a 305-page report explaining what to do in the future. I have nothing against what is stated there, but I am against it if nothing is done to improve public transport until then.However, this solution alone is not going to solve the problems that public transport users currently face. The Borgarlína must not hinder the current development of public transport. What are we going to do until the Borgarlína becomes a reality? It is important that this solution is not presented as if it alone solves the problem that needs to be addressed.The development of main routes takes time. Although buses can use them as they are built, I think it is important to mention that this development must not prevent us from improving public transport now.Regarding funding, it is necessary to ensure that users are protected from excessive charges. It is mentioned that 60 billion, which still needs to be financed in the transport agreement, could come from traffic and express charges or other means, and that the implementation is up to the state and Betri samgöngur ohf. This must not open up additional charges for users. Public transport should be built up with tax money, not flat charges like tolls.The tax system needs to be improved so that collection reflects income and those who can afford it pay in accordance with their income. So, to return to charges, the report only discusses fares for the Borgarlína and ticket sales. The matter may not have reached that stage, but in this context, I asked who will be responsible for the equipment and everything related to the Borgarlína. It comes as no surprise that I believe this should be publicly operated.Regarding accessibility issues, it is good to see that they are being addressed well, and ÖBÍ (The Icelandic Disability Alliance) is thanked for its suggestions. In that context, I ask whether other interest groups were asked for their opinion regarding the preliminary drafts? Whether they were consulted for more perspectives? Here, for example, I am thinking of PEPP (People in Poverty), an organization for people in poverty, and others who have had to rely on public transport over time. Understandably, not everyone has time to review a 300-page report and provide comments.Due to climate issues, it is relied upon that a certain number will use the Borgarlína. Catastrophic warming is imminent, and it is necessary to respond to the situation.We know that the number of people currently using public transport is not high. So, we presumably want to increase that number. Therefore, it is important to discuss what we are going to do until the Borgarlína arrives. What we are going to do now, in the context of this contribution.How do we improve the lives of those who rely on public transport, now as soon as possible? I am in favor of major development and presenting a vision for the future. If anything, I believe we should do more. We socialists want to see public transport built based on the needs of those who use it and see it immediately. There are various things that can be started now, such as better connections between neighborhoods.