2 The National Transport Plan – a white paper for long-term policies
Figure 2.1 Chapter illustration
The National Transport Plan is submitted to the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) as a white paper every four years. The white paper sets forth the Government’s national transport policy in terms of transport goals, strategies and priorities in a long-term perspective.
The National Transport Plan 2025–2036 (Report to the Storting (white paper) No. 14 (2023–2024)) was submitted to the Storting in March 2024. This is the seventh plan under the current planning system, covering all modes of transport. The plan presents policies and priorities within an economic frame for a twelve-year period and provides perspectives towards 2050 and 2060.
The preparation of the white paper is backed by an extensive process, involving input from ministries, agencies, county authorities, the four largest municipalities, the Sámi Parliament, business, industry and other user and interest groups. An important objective is to ensure an inclusive process while aiming to create a strategic and dynamic plan that identifies and addresses the main challenges for future transport.
The transport agencies (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Norwegian Railway Directorate, the Norwegian Coastal Administration, Bane NOR SF, Nye Veier AS and Avinor AS) were given several assignments and tasks by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries on a wide range of topics during this process. Their responses and reports were subject to public consultation. In sum, these contributions have provided a broad insight into the future needs and opportunities for the transport sector.
The follow-up of the National Transport Plan each year of the planning period, with specific measures and resource allocation, is presented in the annual National Budget.
The National Transport Plan encompasses the tools available to the Government in the field of transport. Relevant areas connected to transport policy include tax policy, climate and environmental policy, and the local government sector. Responsibility for these areas at the ministerial level lies with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.