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Secure public transport services throughout the country
YTF highlighted the financial challenges facing public transport, especially bus services, which are under pressure in several counties. Since the pandemic, county municipalities have seen a drop in passenger numbers while costs have skyrocketed, driven by, among other things, increased fuel prices. Despite the government's proposal of 6.45 billion kroner for public transport measures, Sheikh pointed out that this amount is far from sufficient to cover the increased costs. YTF therefore urged the committee to add an additional NOK 2 billion in public transport subsidies. “It is about maintaining an accessible and affordable bus service, especially in the districts, where the bus is an indispensable alternative to the car,” Sheikh emphasized.
Maintenance backlog on county roads creates risk
YTF also highlighted the need for a significant upgrade of the county roads, which have a maintenance backlog of between 60 and 170 billion kroner. The current maintenance budget is not enough to ensure safe and passable roads, and Sheikh warned that the lack of road maintenance not only affects traffic safety, but also the working conditions of drivers. With the government's proposed allocation of 480 million kroner, it would only be 100 kroner per meter of county road – far from sufficient. YTF therefore requested that NOK 1 billion be set aside annually over the next ten years to reduce the backlog and ensure safe traffic.
24-hour rest areas: A critical shortage
Another important topic YTF highlighted was the need for more and better 24-hour rest areas for truck drivers. Sheikh explained that there are currently only 56 approved rest areas in the country, many of which are inaccessible during the winter. “The lack of rest areas means that drivers have to take breaks in unsafe places or violate rest time regulations, which creates unsafe conditions for both the drivers themselves and other road users,” Sheikh said. YTF therefore called for a earmarked allocation of NOK 500 million to realize a national plan for 24-hour rest areas. Such an investment would contribute to both safety and compliance with important rest time regulations.
A clear call to the Storting
With clear and concrete demands, we hope YTF that the Storting will act to ensure necessary support for public transport, safe county roads and better conditions for professional drivers.
– The state budget for 2025 must address the challenges of the transport sector in a way that ensures both safety and accessibility for all, Sheikh concluded during the hearing.
