Oslo Is On Track To Becoming 1st Emissions-Free City After Adding Electric Buses
Photo 77004910 © Leonid Andronov | Dreamstime.com
The capital of Norway is zooming into its goal of being the first capital city in the world to run on a zero-emissions public transportation network by the end of 2023, having just announced plans to replace its buses with electric versions.
At the same time, the adoption moves it closer to becoming the world’s first emissions-free city by 2030.
Reuters reports that Oslo is swapping out its traditional buses for 450 electric vehicles as part of a 500 million crown (US$48.9 million) project to make the city greener. Already, the city has converted many ferries and trams to electric, and introduced an intricate bicycle network to encourage commuters to travel more responsibly.
The city’s Vice-Mayor Sirin Stav notes that the cleaner alternatives will overall cut Oslo’s costs in the long term, as maintenance will be cheaper than the traditional diesel-fuel versions. “This is a win-win situation,” she adds.
Notably, going for zero-emissions travel means that the hustle and bustle of the city will also be quieter and filled with cleaner air.
Stav is hoping Oslo’s electric bus scheme will inspire other governments to switch to electric alternatives as they ponder over their options at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
[via Reuters, Travel Tomorrow, EcoWatch, cover photo 77004910 © Leonid Andronov | Dreamstime.com]
