Six measures for better transport services in the district

Mens fylkeskommunen foreslår å legge ned hurtigbåtruter, anbefaler forskere fra Nordlandsforskning heller å styrke tilbudet. Foto: Anne Olsen Ryum / nordnorge.com

Mens mange distriktsregioner opplever kutt i transporttilbudet, mener forskere fra Nordlandsforskning at riktig strategi vil være å investere i et bedre tilbud.

In Lofoten in Nordland, the population experiences challenges with transport that the rest of District Norway can recognize: Private cars dominate the transport pattern, which has major environmental and social consequences. Road construction, parking lots, greenhouse gas emissions and noise from car traffic can destroy both nature and quality of life. 

“At the same time, many people are dependent on public transport, as they do not drive themselves. This is especially true for young people and the elderly,” says Julien Lebel, senior researcher at Nordland Research Institute . 

– When public transport services are weakened, these groups are excluded from important community arenas and social activities.

Low trust

The researchers conclude that the use of public transport must be increased to reduce emissions and resource use. 

“From a sustainability perspective, this is absolutely necessary. At the same time, the transport offer must be attractive, with frequent departures, reasonable prices, good comfort and reliability,” says Lebel. 

– People must be able to trust that they will arrive as planned. Unfortunately, many people find that the public transport service is not good enough to leave their cars behind. Trust in the system is low, and the need for improvements is great, he says.

In the report "The road to sustainable mobility and attractive transport services in Lofoten. Analysis of the supply and need for mobility and transport solutions in Lofoten", presents Nordland Research Institute concrete measures to improve transport services, reduce private car use and make the region more sustainable. 

– We use Lofoten as a case, but the measures are also relevant outside this region. They apply to all of District Norway, says Lebel. 

Here are six of them:

1. Make better use of existing public transport services

Nordland has an extensive network of buses, ferries, trains, express boats and planes. However, the service is perceived as fragmented, and connections between modes of transport often work poorly. By improving coordination, increasing the frequency of departures and optimizing the location of stops – for example, near popular outdoor areas – you can get more out of the existing resources. Many people will not choose public transport until the service is significantly better.

2. Explore the possibilities of electric aircraft

Electric aircraft have the potential to strengthen regional connections and open new routes connecting districts, neighboring counties and the North Calotte. Such routes can complement current transport options, especially in conjunction with other emission-free modes of transport.

3. Systematize coordination between means of transport

Seamless travel is a stated objective in transport strategies, but in practice it is often difficult to combine different modes of transport. An integrated solution with one ticket for multiple transport modes and clear travel guarantees can significantly improve the passenger experience. This will require close cooperation between transport operators, which should be integrated to a greater extent as a requirement in the tender contracts awarded by the county municipality and the state. Local actors should also be involved in the design of transport strategies, so that the offer better reflects local needs.

4. Adapt the transport sector to climate change

Extreme weather and climate change require robust solutions. This includes maintaining and reinforcing existing infrastructure, as well as extending guarantees for passengers in the event of delays or cancellations. Such adaptation is essential to ensure a reliable transport system in the future.

5. Adjust the benefits of transportation services

Reduced prices on subsidized air and ferry routes have increased passenger numbers, but have also created capacity challenges. Price reductions should primarily be directed at permanent residents, while the tourism industry can be supported through other measures.

6. Highlight the benefits of sustainable mobility

Expanded use of public transport and soft mobility solutions such as cycling contribute to safer roads, better health and less environmental impact. Price, comfort and reliability must also be at the forefront of transport strategies, beyond the focus on cutting travel times. A robust and diversified transport system plays a key role in ensuring viable communities.

Lacks holistic thinking

Julien Lebel emphasizes that the researchers understand that the county municipalities are in a pressured financial situation. 

– But the operation of transport services should be seen as a social investment, not just as a cost, he says. 

– Proposals to close routes are a step in the wrong direction. Instead of closures, the offer should be strengthened and expanded. 

The researchers believe that the local challenges in the transportation debates should be raised to a national level. 

– There is a need for a transport policy that builds trust in the transport system, in the context of better mobility, sustainability and social inclusion, says Lebel.