Bergen LRT approved : The final approval of the Bergen light rail project has been made by the Norwegian parliament. The project has been through several stages of approval, by the Bergen city council, by the parliament transport committee, and others. This last approval was about the financing scheme. The calculated cost of the 10 km light rail line, including vehicles and maintenance facilities, is NOK 1.64 billion, with an upper limit of 1.8 billion or EUR 225 million. 40% will be granted by the Norwegian state, the remaining will be financed by extending the now 20 year old road toll system by another four years. The light rail line is part of an extensive transport plan that will also include road constructions.

The line to the airport will be opened in stages, with the first stretches of operation opened in 2009 if all goes well. It is expected that the complete line to the airport will be opened by the end of 2014. 18 low floor vehicles will be needed to provided 5 minute service during peak periods and 10 minute service during other times. 10 vehicles will be required for the first phase of the project from the city centre to Nesttun.

Further information can be found on Bybanen website

1 March 2006