Public transport provider Ruter is testing a new 90-day travel pass for children and youth in Oslo and Akershus. The trial period will continue through summer. This extended ticket aims to simplify public transportation for children who do not own smartphones.
The 90-day pass works with physical travel cards. It targets young people aged 6 to 17 years. Parents can purchase these tickets at convenience stores and kiosks. The passes cannot be bought through mobile applications.
Pricing follows the standard zone system. A single-zone pass costs 981 Norwegian kroner. Two zones cost 1,308 kroner. Unlimited travel across all zones costs 1,635 kroner.
Oslo's City Councilor for Environment and Transport Marit Vea explained the reasoning behind the initiative. She said in a statement that children should be able to live without smartphones. The physical ticket option provides important flexibility for families. Parents will benefit from reduced frequency of ticket purchases.
This initiative reflects Norway's ongoing efforts to balance digital innovation with practical accessibility. While most public services increasingly move online, authorities recognize that not all citizens can or want to use digital solutions. The physical ticket option maintains accessibility for families who prefer traditional payment methods.
Norwegian public transport systems typically offer extensive digital ticketing options. This creates challenges for children without smartphones and tourists unfamiliar with local apps. The new 90-day pass addresses this gap in service provision.
The timing coincides with growing concerns about children's screen time and smartphone dependency. By maintaining physical ticket options, transport authorities acknowledge these broader societal discussions. The approach demonstrates practical accommodation of diverse family preferences and needs.
Similar debates about digital exclusion occur across Nordic countries. Sweden and Denmark also face questions about maintaining physical service options amid digital transformation. Norway's solution could provide a model for other regions balancing technological advancement with universal access.
International residents and visitors should note that Norwegian public transport operates through multiple payment systems. Understanding both digital and physical options helps navigate the transportation network effectively. The new children's ticket adds another choice for family travel planning.
What practical implications does this have for daily commuting? Families with multiple children can now plan three months of school travel in one purchase. The extended validity reduces administrative hassle for parents. It also provides budget predictability for household transportation costs.
The trial period through summer will generate valuable usage data. Transport authorities will assess adoption rates and customer satisfaction. Successful implementation could lead to permanent offering and possible expansion to other passenger groups.