Free bus service has not resulted in increased passenger numbers

Since 2019, Rogaland has experienced significant growth in bus traffic, but a period of free public transport for residents in Stavanger has not had a long-term effect on demand.

This is revealed in a recent TØI-report, where researchers analyzed the factors behind the growth in Rogaland. The report was commissioned by Kolumbus.

No long-term passenger growth in public transport in Stavanger

The large growth in bus ridership in Rogaland from 2019 to 2024 is linked to population size and density, improved and cheaper public transport services, increased employment, and higher fuel prices.

At the same time, lower toll fees and increased car ownership have had the opposite effect.

Stavanger municipality introduced free public transport for residents across Rogaland in the period from July to December 2023. Based on analyses of automatic passenger counting data, there is no indication that the free public transport period has resulted in long-term passenger growth in public transport in Stavanger.

Changes in population growth has an impact on passenger numbers

Nord-Jæren and Haugalandet have relatively high population density and clear urban areas. Increased population and population density, higher employment, more frequent bus services, lower public transport fares, and higher fuel prices have contributed to increased demand for buses. At the same time, toll fees have decreased when it comes to constant prices, and car ownership has increased. This has had a lowering effect on bus ridership. These factors explain almost all the variation in passenger development.

At the same time, Ryfylke North, Ryfylke South, Jæren, and Dalane have the lowest passenger numbers, smallest population size, lowest route production, lowest toll levels, lowest number of jobs, lowest population density, and fewest cars.

In many parts of these areas, buses serve as a minimum mobility option for those without other travel alternatives, and in connection with school transport. The passenger development in these areas is therefore difficult to make predictions based on known demand drivers such as fares, route offerings, and the costs of car use.

Road connections and expanded bus services have also had an impact

At the same time, several other initiatives have also influenced how attractive public transport is perceived in Rogaland. The Ryfast tunnel replaced ferries and express boats with bus services and road connections with tolls. For a period, passengers also had free ferry services on several routes.

Through the Hent Meg (Pick Me Up) service, launched in 2018, regular routes were replaced by a booking system where passengers are picked up at home. In Sauda, the service grew by around 30% from 2019 to 2024. The service was expanded to Egersund city in the autumn of 2022.
There is also a car-sharing service available, and the city bike program has grown. Additionally, a new ticketing solution has been introduced.

TØI Report 2050/2024
Click here to read the report