Flevoland schoolchildren debate the Lelylijn

In the preliminaries of “On the road to the House of Commons,” an NPO television program, students from 5 Flevoland schools debated numerous propositions. One of these statements was about the Lelylijn. The pupils debated whether the construction of the Lelylijn should continue.

Proponents appointed:

• The importance of a good rail connection for the Northeast Polder, allowing young people to stay here.
• That the Lelylijn contributes to a better distribution of jobs and facilities across the country.
• That a train is more sustainable.

Opponents appointed:

• That the Lelylijn costs a lot of money. This could be better used to improve existing public transportation and do something about rail delays.
• That it remains to be seen whether businesses will move north if there is a better rail connection.

The students had prepared well for this debate and presented their views with great conviction.