[NEWS] A new public transport strategy for Rogaland

Environmental strategy for public transport approved by the county council

Rogaland County Council has developed an environmental strategy for public transport that has now been approved by the county politicians. This policy document is part of our Action Plan process in the Interreg project e-MOPOLI. The strategy provides guidelines for how reduction of emissions from public transport can be achieved in the best possible way. It deals with various alternative fuel solutions for buses, ferries and passenger ferries for cities and districts.

Rogaland County Council aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from public transport (buses and boats/ferries) with at least 40 % (from the reference year 1990) by 2030. New boats and ferries should have low- or zero-emission technology.

The regional environmental strategy also focuses on the importance of monitoring the technological developments and continue to acquire knowledge about zero-emission solutions in the coming years, i.e. through participating in relevant projects.

Uncertainty regarding solutions and costs

There has been a huge technological development over the past years, but there is still uncertainty regarding solutions and costs. Technology may need more time to mature before a full transition to zero-emission transport is economically sustainable. It’s important to Rogaland County Council that the costs of environmental benefits do not result in a cut in public transport, as a good public transport service must be maintained.

Prioritize urban areas

Rogaland county has a few cities and a lot of rural and sparsely populated areas. The public transport service is better in the urban areas than in the districts. There are five battery electric buses in Rogaland, but Rogaland County Council aims to reduce emissions from public transport to a minimum. In doing so, it’s important to have a realistic picture of costs and environmental impact in the time to come.

In rural areas the passenger basis is low. This makes it difficult to provide a good public transport service. Battery electric buses should be prioritized in urban areas where the buses are more often in use, and the investment in zero emission buses will result in a larger reduction of emissions than in rural areas. According to the National Transport Plan all new city buses should be zero-emission buses or use biogas in 2025. The regional environmental strategy for public transport is in line with this goal. The two main bus lines in the city of Haugesund in Rogaland will be electrified this summer.