In search of inspiration

Although a whole range of measures have been successfully introduced to promote public transport in the Oslo-Akershus region, Ruter is aware too that a number of improvements still need to be made. For example, while bus, tram, ferry and underground travel may all be possible at the same price and using the same ticket, that system does not yet cover the renting of bicycles or car-sharing services.

"We are working on this issue", said Hans Cats, the Green Mobility Coor Cities of the future Oslo. "Maybe we could manage to create a mobility card with car-sharing and bike-rentals integrated in the same system." Elsewhere, there is room for improvement with regards to Ruter’s journey planner, which allows customers to find the easiest way from Point A to Point B but does not propose alternative routes in case of problems with one form of transport. "With the journey planner, customers have to find the solutions for themselves", explained Trafikanten, a service company in charge of real time information in Oslo. "It’s still a work in progress."

The question of how to fund major projects such as the renovation of Oslo’s Central Station is another issue. The toll ring has made it possible to complete a number of projects, but the public transport authority knows that it will need to find more money in the long term. "The toll ring didn’t solve every problem", said Daniel Molin, Climate advisor for Akershus County Council. "Its success has caused a reduction in car traffic and therefore a reduction in revenue. Its very success has actually become a problem."

According to Ola Elvestven, city commissioner for public transport and environmental affairs in the Oslo region, "We need to find the necessary finances. The toll ring is not enough on its own, but the French ’versement transport’ (transport tax) system could be another step." The model city is thus looking for its own examples to follow.