– This case is like watching, pardon the expression, a train crash in slow motion. It is a matter that cannot be resolved with the help of words. So says Kjell Terje Ringdal, senior lecturer at Kristiania University College. He teaches rhetoric, social influence and public relations. – There is not a communications department in the world that can solve this problem, he adds. Ringdal talks about Bane Nor’s prestigious project Follobanen, which cost NOK 37 billion and took seven years to build. On 12 December, the stage was set for the opening of the section which was to halve the journey time between Oslo and Ski. But already in the opening week several errors led to settings and delays. And just over a week after the opening, the track had to be closed due to power problems in the Blixtunnel and at the Ski station. After the crisis meeting about Follobanen on Tuesday, Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård (Ap) said that he was concerned and wanted an external investigation. Ringdal believes that Bane Nor is now in a crisis of confidence. – Now Bane Nor can, at best, only handle the critical questions that come and the criticism that comes. They have not been able to do that in a good way, according to Ringdal. He is particularly critical of Bane Nor’s reply in an Aftenposten case that the journalists “asked good and relevant questions, which it is right to ask”, but still did not answer the questions. – Has no control over the situation Bane Nor has 43 employees who work with communication and public relations. Seven of these are communications managers. Ringdal nevertheless believes that it seems that Bane Nor has no control over the situation. – I feel sorry for Bane Nor, who has probably both had bad luck and not been good enough. The result is that you appear in a very bad light. After the crisis meeting about Follobanen on Tuesday, the executive director of Bane Nor, Gorm Frimannslund, was interviewed in Dagsrevyen. Executive director of Bane Nor, Gorm Frimannslund. Ringdal believes he has thrown Bane Nor’s partners under the bus. Photo: Espen Breivik / news Ringdal believes the CEO threw Bane Nor’s partners under the bus. And that he shifted the blame onto consulting agencies and subcontractors, rather than taking responsibility himself. – Not very charming when you are in a crisis. There was little generosity and little self-criticism was exercised. After postponing the reopening of the Folloban several times, 1 February has been set as the new final deadline. But Ringdal does not believe that a new opening date seems particularly reassuring for the travellers. Bane Nor: – Many technical questions Bane Nor replies that they are taking note of Ringdal’s constructive input. – There is a lot of learning in crises and this situation will hopefully strengthen us in our communication task in the future as well, writes Torild Uribarri, executive vice president for communications and public relations. She also writes that the events surrounding the Folloban are being analyzed and that this is an ongoing work. They also receive many technical questions from the press. – We have answers to some, while other questions can be answered when analyzes have been completed. No longer trusting the trains Ada Signe Myhren (17) is one of the many travelers along the entire Østfold line who have felt the consequences of the closure. – There are very often delays and adjustments. It is very unpredictable, and difficult to know how it will actually turn out. The 17-year-old is dependent on taking the train from Ås to Vestby to get to school. But she no longer trusts the trains to arrive on time. Ada takes the train to school every day. Now everyday life is characterized by delays and sudden adjustments. Photo: Private – Now the train only runs once an hour, and there are always delays and changes, so suddenly. I’ve lost a lot of school hours because of it. At most, she has been two hours late. Several in her class have experienced the same. – I only take the train because I have to, I have no other options. I am 17 years old and do not have my own car. Fears more people will choose the car The environmental organization The future in our hands fears the problems with the Folloban will mean that more people will choose the car in the future. It is the exact opposite of what is needed to cut emissions in traffic. – Punctuality is one of the things that people who use the railway are most concerned about. They must be able to trust that the train will go when it is supposed to, says senior advisor Tonje Orsten Kristiansen. The closed Folloban comes on top of all the other problems train travelers already have to endure. During the pandemic, our travel habits also changed. – We need a turnaround, where confidence in public transport is lifted again, says Kristiansen. Explanatory video of the Follobanen.
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– Like watching a train crash in slow motion – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
