Norwegian Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård announces electric vehicles can use bus lanes on weekends in Bærum

Norwegian Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård has confirmed that electric vehicles will be allowed to use bus lanes again on weekends. This decision comes in response to worsening rush hour traffic congestion in Bærum, particularly on Sunday evenings, which has prompted numerous complaints from commuters.

Starting Saturday, September 7, electric vehicles will have access to the bus lanes between Asker and Lysaker. Nygård expressed gratitude for the rapid response from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, hoping this change will alleviate significant traffic challenges in the region during weekends. Initially, this adjustment is limited to the E18, with plans to extend it to other roads leading into Oslo in the near future.

While the move has been welcomed by local leaders, including Asker Mayor Lene Conradi, there is criticism regarding its limited scope. Both the mayors of Asker and Bærum, along with the Akershus county mayor, argue that allowing electric vehicles access only on weekends is insufficient to address weekday congestion and have advocated for these vehicles to use bus lanes at all times, promoting carpooling to ease traffic.

The backdrop to this situation includes significant construction on Oslo’s Ring 1, which is closed for three years to facilitate safety upgrades. The closure has redirected traffic onto local roads, causing chaos in areas like Asker, where local officials report unpredictable travel conditions for residents.

As the situation develops, the transport minister noted that current infrastructure limitations prevent expanding the bus lane access to weekdays, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions with local authorities and public transport providers.