Reykjavík capital area’s planned Borgarlína rapid bus transit line has never enjoyed more support than it currently does, according to a new survey conducted by Maskína. The company reports that more Icelanders support the Borgarlína project now than at any time since survey taking began in early 2018. Over 54% of Icelanders are in favour of the public transportation project while around 22% are against it.
A higher proportion of women are in favour of the Borgarlína project than men, or 57.6% compared to 51.2%. More men oppose the project, or 28% compared to 16% of women. Highest rates of support were found among Icelanders between the ages of 30-39, 69.6% of whom are in favour of the project. Those 60 and older are the least supportive of the Borgarlína, with only 45% of the age group stating they are in favour of the rapid transit line.
Residents of Reykjavík were most likely to be in favour of the Borgarlína project, particularly those living in or near the city centre (77% in favour), with residents of Garðabær coming in second (71% in favour). The only region where a higher proportion of residents were against the project than reported in previous surveys was East Iceland, where 37.9% of respondents stated they were against the project.
When education levels were taken into account, university graduates were more likely to support the project (63% in favour and 17% against) while those with an elementary school diploma were most likely to be opposed to the Borgarlína (28.4%). Many more individuals with junior college or applied diplomas are in favour of the project than one year ago.
The survey results are based on 884 responses. The survey was carried out between June 7 and 24, 2019.
