World-first fully electric public transport system
What do slow fashion and fast trains have in common? They’re both green. At least in Oslo.
Come the end of 2023, commuters can be just as sure as visitors of Oslo Runway that the full range of public transit system’s offering is sustainable, with the city’s trams, trains, buses and ferries all set to be electric by the end of this year.
The city is well on its way to meet its target. In October 2022, the government secured one of the final pieces of the puzzle, announcing a deal to replace the city’s remaining diesel buses with electric ones. The push for e-buses is not only better for the environment, but it requires less money bags.
“The maintenance is cheaper, it’s also cheaper for the operators of the electric buses. All in all, this is a win-win situation,” Sirin Stav, Oslo’s Vice Mayor of Environment and Transport, recently told the press.
Overall, the city has ambitious climate plans. Slashing emissions in the public transit system is part of Oslo’s ambitious plan to become the world’s first emissions-free city by 2030. But beyond public transport, the city will focus on improving walking and bike paths, expanding parks and green areas, preserving trees and implementing green roofs on top of buildings.
Kristin Fjeld, Polestar Norway’s PR Manager and Oslo-resident is thrilled about her hometown’s green trajectory.
“In Oslo, we’re quite proud of the city’s green reputation. And working in the transportation industry, I’m especially excited that we’ll soon become the first capital city with a fully electric public transit system. I think this is just the beginning of a an even greener, cleaner Oslo,” she concludes.