PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENTS ON THE LOCAL LEVEL IN NORWAY

The paper examines the relationship between the participants in the organisational structure and the procedures established in connection with the experimental scheme. Evaluation of the experiments is most important, but it is also important to ensure that the process works in such a way that the results can be utilised in the best way. The overriding goal of the scheme was to develop rational public transport which, by taking account of people's needs, produces greater benefits in relation to resource input and environmental inconvenience. One important aim of the scheme was to induce traffic companies to invest more in product development. The evaluation shows that new initiatives were stimulated. Most projects undertaken by public transport companies were well planned and designed. One important element in the scheme was to identify the measures which produced the greatest effect for example in an increase in public transport use. Evaluation was therefore essential. The level of conflict within the scheme was generally low. The main types of conflict were: regarding borderline between scheduled and non-scheduled services; level and time of payment of experimental funds; evaluation of, and priorities for, projects. Overall, the experimental scheme has been successful. It is generally considered to have created new approaches, increased competence and promoted dissemination of information. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 890911.