All the leaders of the candidates running in Reykjavík in the upcoming municipal elections say they are dissatisfied with the state of transportation in the capital area.
The Oddwits were called to a panel at a conference on transport issues in the capital area with the title A cheaper way – ideas wanted! but the conference stands for Hugvekjan, whose aim is to promote open conversation and informed discussion about issues that are at the top of society’s agenda.
The moderators were María Guðjónsdóttir and Pétur Blöndal, but María started the panel by asking those who aspire to lead the city for the next four years some yes and no questions, as the leaders were forbidden to speak, only showing their position by holding up rotating signs with yes on one side of the green surface and no on the red on the other side.
Indeterminate tips
Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party, and Ari Edwald, leader of the Central Party, responded affirmatively that everyone should have the right to free parking at home.
At first Pétur Marteinsson, the leader of the Samfylking, answered in the negative, but then he turned his card around and said he was in favor.
Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir, leader of the Left Party, does not consider it a self-evident right, but both Einar Þorsteinsson, leader of the Progressive Party, and Björg Magnúsdóttir, leader of Viðreisnar, were undecided. Einar showed it by turning his sign in circles, while Björg turned his on the side so that neither yes nor no pointed out into the hall. Just before the next question was raised, however, Einar turned his sign with the green side forward.
At first Pétur replied in the negative that everyone should have the option of free parking, later he handed over his card. Einar was also undecided but finally answered yes while Björg sat by.
Einar had to explain his case
Next, the leaders were asked if they had access to free parking at their home. All of them answered yes.
Then María asked about the issue of reducing the number of lanes on Suðurlandsbraut, but only Sanna Magdalena and Pétur declared themselves in favor of it.
Ari Edwald and Sanna Magdalena were again the only ones who declared themselves in favor of the bus being free of charge.
Einar tried to explain his case: “Not for everyone,” he said, but Hildur quickly silenced him: “You’re not supposed to talk!” Einar got a bit embarrassed, but others enjoyed it.
María asked about the issue of reducing the number of lanes on Suðurlandsbraut, but only Sanna Magdalena and Pétur expressed their support for it.
Sanna wants to narrow down to the private car
They were then asked if the Miklubrautargang should be accelerated, and they all declared themselves in favor of that idea, except for Sanna, who declared herself against it.
Four of the six experts believe that the city line will change people’s travel habits significantly, only Hildur and Ari do not think so.
The Oddwits were then asked if the traffic of passenger cars in Reykjavík should be further restricted. All of them agreed that it should not be done except for Sanna who thinks it is right to do it.
María then asked about footbridges on trunk roads and whether more should be built. Only Pétur and Sanna think it makes sense, the others don’t.
Finally, the leaders were asked if they were going to promote transportation in the city, if they got a majority, then everything turned green on the stage as a sign that everyone was going to do it.
Sanna and Ari want a free bus.
