Intracity Mass Transit

Oslo has a very well developed system of mass transit. This includes buses, trains, trams, ferries, and a subway system. The oldest form of mass transit in Oslo is most certainly the ferries. Boat traffic has been important to the city as long as it has been in existence. Many people live on islands in the Oslo Fjord, and the ferries are their only method of getting to the mainland. Before other methods of transportation became well developed, water transportation was the most important. Most of the wealthy residents of Oslo lived along the fjord because it gave them the easiest access to the CBD. The tram system is Oslo is also quite old. Horse drawn trams were first introduced in 1875 and replaced with electric ones starting in 1894. The first underground line opened in 1928. The mass transit system in Oslo is well utilized, reducing the pressure on automobile traffic. Although the freeways of Oslo are congested during rush hour, traffic is not a major problem in Oslo. Several sections of the central city are closed to automobile traffic, the most notable being the lower half of Karl Johans Gate which is the main street of Oslo.

Intercity Mass Transit

As well a good internal transportation system, Oslo is also is well connected to the external transportation system. As with the intracity connection, the earliest form of intercity transportation was boat traffic. Oslo still has regular ferries going to cities in Germany and Denmark. Also, an increasing number of cruise ships from all over the world are stopping in Oslo. Trains connect Oslo to cities all across Norway, Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.