The agreements cover starting locations Sjøvegan, Hamnvik, Sørreisa, and a day-car agreement for Senja island. Since December, Helse Nord has been seeking new agreements with taxi companies in rural areas. Areas with typically few available taxis are now included in UNN's agreements with Stein Sørensen Persontransport (SSP) and Troms Taxi.
Troms Taxi will operate in Sjøvegan between 06:00 and 18:00 and in Hamnvik around the clock. SSP will operate in Sørreisa and with a day-car on Senja island, with service starting in August 2026. The agreements for Sjøvegan, Hamnvik, and Sørreisa are already in effect. Patients in over 30 locations should now experience easier transport, according to officials.
Hvalryg said the task is to ensure transport for those who need it, and with local taxis present, there will be less long-distance driving and less strain on taxis in surrounding areas. He added that the coverage provides security for patients.
Separately, the Norwegian Parliament voted on Thursday to ask the government to make changes to the patient travel scheme. Health and Care Minister Jan Christian Vestre stated that patients and relatives should experience predictability, safety, and quality, while resources are used to ensure the best possible patient treatment.