3 The strategic direction of the National Transport Plan 2025–2036
Figure 3.1 Chapter illustration
The Government is presenting the National Transport Plan 2025–2036 during a time of transition, amidst significant challenges related to climate and nature. The policies must be developed within the framework of national climate and environmental goals and international commitments. Global unrest and war in Europe impact Norway, demanding increased attention to preparedness and defence. Going forward, society will see a growing elderly population and a decreasing proportion of working-age individuals. The skills and labour shortages is already noticeable, including in the transport sector. At the same time, continued population growth and economic development will lead to increased mobility needs.
The Government’s overall goal for transport policy is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe transport system, nationwide in 2050. Investments in the transport sector have resulted in shorter travel times on roads and railways, more frequent train departures, improved maritime safety, and positive urban development. Transport services in rural areas have become more attractive, partly due to lower ferry prices and reduced ticket prices on government-procured regional flight routes. The Government will continue to build new infrastructure but aims to reverse the trend of roads, bridges, signalling systems, and other critical transport infrastructure not being renewed in line with maintenance needs. Neglected maintenance increases the risk of accidents, reduces accessibility, and causes uncertainty for businesses. Infrastructure failures pose a threat to civil protection, while climate change adds further challenges to mobility and traffic safety.
The Government will pursue a responsible transport policy, prioritising maintenance and improvements. The country’s transport system should become safer and more resilient to extreme weather events, landslides, avalanches, and floods. Investments in operation and maintenance will ensure that infrastructure can remain operational even under pressure. County authorities shall be better equipped to prioritise maintenance of county road networks.
New investment projects will be carried out where necessary for societal development. At the same time, efforts will be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nature conservation will play a more significant role in shaping the transport system of the future, avoiding the degradation of valuable natural areas and cultivated land.
The Government has ambitious goals for transport safety and will intensify efforts to achieve the vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries in the transport sector.
To achieve the transport policy objectives, the Government will focus on smarter solutions. Technological advancements offer opportunities for more efficient use of public resources, from targeted maintenance to better utilisation of transport capacity. Emphasis will be placed on technological solutions that contribute to environmentally friendly transport and improved safety.
Significant financial resources have been allocated to the transport sector for many years. The share of the National Budget allocated to the transport sector has increased from 3.1 per cent in 2009 to nearly 5 per cent in 2024. The 2024 budget includes close to NOK 90 billion for purposes included in the National Transport Plan. The Government will continue its high level of resource allocation in the upcoming planning period, while also considering the growing needs in other sectors.
The Government’s priorities aim to create a forward-looking transport system by preserving existing infrastructure, improving transport infrastructure where possible, utilising capacity in the existing infrastructure and transport services better – and constructing new infrastructure when necessary.
Figure 3.2 The National Budget’s largest expenditure areas in 2024 (in billion 2024-NOK).
Source: Meld. St. 1 (2023–2024) Report to the Storting (white paper) The National Budget 2024