The demand comes from public transport companies around the country. But the enormous power consumption of the tram and subway means that Oslo is in a special class. In a worst-case scenario, Sporveien describes something that in practice will be a demolition of the current tram and subway service. Halving departures Between 35 and 45 per cent of the supply of trams and subways will disappear here. The 10-minute departures on the tram become 20-minute departures. And most subways will only run every half hour. – What we see is that the sky-high electricity prices have enormous consequences for public transport, not least for trams and railways. That’s what Oslo’s Environment and Transport Council Sirin Stav (MDG) says. – The subway in Oslo carries more passengers than the railway does in the whole country, so it will be dramatic. – Here the government must step in and put in place a support scheme for public transport in the same way as they do for households and businesses, she says to news. SUBWAY CUT? It can be longer to wait on the subway in Oslo. Photo: Simon Skjelvik Brandseth Five times as expensive It is Ruter who has asked Sporveien to calculate how much the tram and subway have to cut to cover increased electricity costs kroner for kroner. The answer states that sky-high electricity prices this year will give them an extra bill of NOK 283 million. Next year, they fear that the power shock will mean an extra NOK 494 million. That is five times as much as in a normal year. The consequence is described as follows: “In order to adjust production to a level that provides cost coverage in 2023 despite increased electricity costs, a reduction of 35-45% of current production is roughly necessary.” TRAM CUT? Sporveien has created a worst-case scenario where the tram will henceforth only have a 20-minute route. Not enough The worst-case scenario is unlikely. In the proposal for the Oslo budget, the city council sets aside some money to compensate for increased electricity prices. But this is nowhere near the sums Sporveien needs. – Then we may have to face cuts, but we have to get back to that, says Sirin Stav. – So route cuts can be a consequence? – I cannot rule that out. The government must stand up here. Lost a billion overnight She makes no secret of the fact that Oslo municipality’s ability to cover increased electricity costs from the city coffers decreased dramatically last week. It then became clear that the government’s proposal for an increased tax on hydropower will cost Oslo dearly in the form of less profit from Hafslund. – It does not make the situation any easier that the state overnight drains Oslo municipality of NOK one billion, she says. Although the power shock is worst for the trams and the subway in Oslo, public transport companies around the country are feeling the increased energy prices. Support from all over the country The Norwegian Transport Association therefore joins the demand for energy support. The association organizes 15 county municipalities and public transport companies. – During the pandemic, billions of kroner were spent on keeping public transport afloat. It’s good, says the association’s general manager, Olov Grøtting. – With the extraordinary energy prices we now have, it is absolutely necessary for the state to step in with a support scheme, as we had during the pandemic, she says. Viken already cut In the Oslo area, public transport is closely linked. Viken county is concerned both about the tram and the subway in Oslo and about the extra expenses for bus operation in the entire area. County councilor for transport in Viken, Olav Skinnes (Sp), says that more and more buses are becoming electric and that the price of biogas and diesel has increased. – That makes energy costs skyrocket, he says. Ruter has already cut the bus service in old Akershus due to a lack of income in the wake of the pandemic. It may just be the beginning. – We don’t have a chance to cover it within our own budgets. The consequence could be a reduced route offer, and that is what we want least of all, says Olav Skinnes. news has asked the Ministry of Transport to comment on the demand for electricity support for public transport, but has not yet received a reply.
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Will have electricity support for public transport
