Henry's harsh criticism of the transport service decision: "I can't afford it"

Henrik Myhlén happened last winter for a moped accident in Thailand. Although he was wearing a helmet, he hit his head so hard that his temples were severely depressed, and his nerves were so badly injured that he became blind on his right eye.

- It was a nightmare. I don't remember anything from the accident and a month ahead, he says.

As a result of a previous injury, combined with the injuries after the moped accident, he has difficulty keeping his balance and becomes very tired of the pressure sensation in his eye. Therefore, he has to go travel service when he is going somewhere.

- Imagine that it is 100 kilos that depresses one all the time. From waking up in the morning to going to bed. It's both physically and mentally stressful, he says.

Until September 1 of this year, when the price increase became a reality, he went traveling service to meet friends in Kungsbacka or in Gothenburg. Or to greet him at work, which he eventually hopes to come back to. Since Henrik Myhlén lives in Mölndal municipality, every time he meets friends he has to cross the municipality boundary, where the price increase is highest.

The price for a trip from Mölndal to Gothenburg municipality was raised by 50 per cent in September. Prior to the price increase, a single ticket cost SEK 49 for an adult. Now the same ticket costs 73 SEK. And the price to Kungsbacka was increased from SEK 78 to SEK 117 per single road.

Henrik Myhlén says that he can no longer afford to visit friends in neighboring municipalities, or go to Gothenburg to have a coffee.

- I've had a much worse quality of life. I don't want to sit here at home between four walls, I want to be able to go out and meet friends. But I won't be able to afford that anymore, he says.

Stefan Gustafsson (S) is the Deputy Chairman and Opposition Council of the Municipal Board. He voted for the decision to raise the price.

- With the strained economy we have, we felt compelled to look at the rates that were considered very low, he says.

50 per cent increase to go to Gothenburg for example, is that reasonable?

- Yes, we made that assessment. Then it is always difficult, because it is about resource-poor people. But we have judged that we cannot manage a good transport service without making these increases.

What would you say to those affected by the price increase - perhaps sick leave or pensioners?

- I would like to say that they can find each other and watch us, so we will see if we can possibly do something, explains Stefan Gustafsson.