“The pandemic has also affected public transport in 2021. Having to adapt to advice and rules that are in constant flux has been a rollercoaster for everyone in society. For Ruter, it has been especially challenging as travel patterns changed and revenue fluctuated. But the public transport system has worked as well as usually does – and I am very happy about that.

Although the situation is challenging, it also opens up to innovation. Ruter works systematically on the required changes in the public transport system to ensure that services are adapted to the needs of customers when the pandemic is over. We have to be prepared for the new normal. During the pandemic we acquired good habits and bad habits. Maybe more people will be working from home one or two days a week. This means less pressure on the transport system during peak periods in the morning and late afternoon. The aim is not to clock up as many journeys as possible, but for people to choose public transport, biking and walking instead of the car. The public transport system must continue to be people’s first choice – efficient as well as attractive.

We have much to be pleased about. The electrification of public transport takes us a step closer to our aim of becoming the world’s first emission-free city.

At the end of the year, Ruter signed contracts for 180 new electric buses, the first electric island boat arrived in Oslo in December and we started 2022 by launching the first new trams. More electrical means of transport contributes to cleaner air, less dust and reduced emissions. With this investment, we are also making the public transport system even more accessible to all – with universally designed trams, boats, buses and metro.”

“In 2021, the public transport system had to deal with a new normal, but it became a whole year still marked by the pandemic. It was a great joy for Ruter and Ruter’s owners finally to be able to welcome customers back again, and it was difficult to accept that we would probably have another winter with the pandemic. Despite unpredictability, large loss of revenue and many resources spent on emergency preparations and infection control, Ruter provided a reliable public transport offering throughout. Ruter very much has the trust of the population, and Ruter has proven that the company can live up to that trust.

The pandemic is affecting all sections of society. We have seen the impact on public transport, with fewer journeys and a significant loss of income, perhaps especially in our region. The Norwegian government has covered lost ticket revenues – this is commendable and we are grateful for that. Ruter has shouldered a great responsibility and been an invaluable driving force in putting this issue on the agenda.

Concurrently with the pandemic, Ruter has been preparing the public transport system for the requirements and expectations of the future. A new app was launched in 2021. The app explores flexible mobility solutions, an important initiative in managing the new normal after the pandemic – with its changed travel patterns and new expectations for flexibility in everyday life.

Our job is to address the mobility requirements of our customers in an effective and sustainable way – without using up more land and without negative impact on the climate. The pandemic has challenged this. Ruter is an innovative and future-oriented public transport company and has challenged habitual ways of thinking about public transport. This has achieved excellent results over many years, and this adaptability is more important than ever. I am happy to have Ruter on my team when our entire mobility system needs to adapt to a new normal and be able to serve all of society.”