– How could this happen? – It is simply difficult to give a good answer to that right now, says Sandvin. Executive director Bettina Sandvin at Bane Nor. Photo: Knut Opeide, Norwegian Public Roads Administration She says that Bane Nor is now working on getting the necessary documentation in place that is required for the trains to run as normal. – We are also starting internal investigations to find out how this could happen. Sandvin is executive vice president for development at Bane Nor. Acknowledging bad answers She believes there is no reason to believe that other railway sections will be affected by the same documentation failure that knocked out train traffic between Porsgrunn and Larvik on Monday evening. – No, we started yesterday with a review of all the sections we have to make sure that it does not apply to more places. We haven’t found anyone so far, says Sandvin, and adds that all the sections have now been reviewed. – How have you been able to sit and watch this since at least 1 October and pay NOK 10,000 per day without reacting? – I understand that it is difficult to understand, but I cannot answer it well right now. We are going through everything that has happened to find out how it could happen, says Sandvin. Commuter and student Elias Johnsen Zekhnini was one of several who waited in vain for the train in Porsgrunn. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news – Let’s take the lessons afterwards She emphasizes that Bane Nor’s main focus right now is to find out what has happened and get the traffic moving again. Sandvin will not speculate on what consequences this may have for the company. – We have to take the lessons afterwards, says the executive director. – Is this as simple as internal paperwork has failed and as a result passengers have to stand and wait for the train? – Quite a lot of documentation is required to get permission to drive and that documentation must also be verified. Sandvin lays down completely for criticism that Bane Nor should have reacted and cleaned up at a much earlier time. – The answer to that is obviously yes. We are now working to find out how this could happen. The minister demands answers Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård (Ap) says he expects Bane Nor to follow up on the orders from the Railway Authority as soon as possible, so that passengers can get the train service back. – I became aware of this case last night and have requested an explanation from Bane Nor during the day. I have also asked for an early meeting to keep me informed of the progress, says Nygård.
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Bane Nor does not know when the trains can run again – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
