Stockholm politicians get free transit while cutting deals
Stockholm politicians gave healthcare workers 25% transit discounts while keeping their own free passes. The disparity highlights different treatment between decision-makers and frontline workers. Regional officials defend the arrangement as necessary for their work.
Next year, 45,000 healthcare workers in Stockholm will receive 25% discounts on their public transit cards. Regional politicians highlighted this benefit when presenting the new budget. They did not mention that politicians already receive completely free annual transit passes.
According to regional compensation rules, both regional council members and other elected officials receive free annual SL transit cards. SL is Stockholm's public transportation system. All traffic administration employees also get two free transit cards per year. These benefits are taxed as income.
Regional council member Carl-Johan Schiller called the situation unreasonable. He said political salaries in Stockholm Region are already much higher than healthcare workers' pay. The healthcare workers now get only 25% off transit costs.
Anna Sehlin helped decide on the transit discount for healthcare staff. She said politicians need free transit cards to do their jobs properly. She acknowledged the region faces tough economic times but expressed satisfaction at offering something to healthcare workers.
The contrast reveals different standards for politicians and public servants. Healthcare workers receive partial relief while decision-makers enjoy full benefits. This comes as Stockholm faces budget constraints affecting public services.