Simon Hansen supports the idea of conducting an analysis but warns that it is unlikely to change his position on the matter.
– It’s fine to have a data foundation to determine what’s right or wrong. But I believe that no matter what the analysis shows, I will maintain that the stop must be in Nykøbing, says Simon Hansen (Social Democrats), mayor of Guldborgsund Municipality.
Can the analysis foster consensus?
– It’s always hard to say, but the purpose of KKR (the Municipal Contact Council) is to try to build consensus across municipalities. If that’s going to succeed in this process, it will at least require a shared data foundation rather than individual opinions. So, we’ll see in the spring what the analysis reveals, he says.
Parking facilities under scrutiny
One aspect the analysis will examine is parking conditions at the four candidate stations. From Nykøbing’s perspective, that’s no problem, Simon Hansen believes.
– I think it’s perfectly fine. Whenever I take the train, I can always find a parking spot, so I believe there’s ample capacity for the commuters we have now. Of course, the demand may change, and we’ll have to address that, but I don’t think the current situation disqualifies us, he says, refusing to comment on parking conditions at the competing stations in Vordingborg and Næstved.
A historical argument
For Simon Hansen, the most compelling argument for choosing Nykøbing is less about the five criteria underpinning the analysis and more about history.
– The stop was in Nykøbing before the trains were redirected via Jutland, so it should naturally return to Nykøbing, he says, adding that there are other solid reasons as well:
– It’s hard to be objective when you’re personally invested, but I think the catchment area on Lolland-Falster and South Zealand, combined with the connections it would create to northern Germany, makes the most sense. Regardless of what the analysis says.
A unified stance is needed
Simon Hansen acknowledges, however, that a shared position among the municipalities and the region will be necessary to influence the decision.
– Otherwise, it will be entirely out of our hands. The Minister of Transport has also told me that it’s the operators who will ultimately decide where the trains stop. But having a solid data foundation can also help us influence them, he says.
