Norway fans face late-night travel chaospublished at 00:06 BST
00:06 BST
HT: Iraq 1-2 Norway
Image source, Getty Images
Norway’s players might be give their fans something to cheer about in their World Cup opener, but tens of thousands in Oslo could face a difficult trip home after tonight’s game.
That is because parts of the public transport network in the Norwegian capital city is set to shut down before the final whistle despite around 35,000 fans expected to gather at the Ullevaal Stadium where the men’s team play their home games, to watch the Iraq clash, and thousands more flocking to bars and clubs after alcohol licensing laws were relaxed.
However, getting home when the game ends at around 02:00 local time on Wednesday morning could prove difficult for those who live outside the city centre, as only certain metro lines and night buses will be running when the game ends.
“We have tried to find a solution for a larger night bus service in connection with the World Cup, but several factors made it impossible,” Bjornar Skogheim, spokesperson for public transport service provider Ruter, told broadcaster NRK.
Metro trains will be available to help fans leave the Ullevaal area, but most of the services are limited to central areas of the city, leaving suburban residents with few options to get home.
“It is simply irresponsible. When tens of thousands of people are going home after the games, more than a few extra departures are needed in the city centre,” Sirin Stav, Green Party group leader for Oslo.