Oslo public transport will not add extra services for Norway-Senegal World Cup match

Oslo’s public transport agency Ruter will not run extra services despite tens of thousands of fans expected in the city centre for Norway’s World Cup match against Senegal early Tuesday, Dagbladet reports.

The match kicks off at 02:00 local time. Without additional services, fans outside the immediate city centre may be stranded until regular morning services resume between 05:00 and 05:30.

Ruter spokesperson Emilie Hesselberg said no extra metro trains were added because the match is not being shown at Ullevaal Stadium, as the Norway-Iraq opener was. She added that a lack of buses and drivers also prevented extra night bus services.

“We have a responsibility to get people to work the next morning. The logistics don’t add up if we also run at night,” Hesselberg said.

Oslo city councillor Sirin Stav (MDG) criticised the city government, which owns Ruter, for inviting fans to celebrate with extended alcohol service hours but failing to ensure transport home.

“Inviting people to a party and then running from the bill is poor form. It looks like a political decision made in a hangover,” Stav said.

Deputy city secretary Audun Bonde (V) urged fans to plan their journeys or cycle, noting that regular bus routes 31 and 37 run all night, while route 20 starts around 04:00. He said Ruter and bus companies could not secure enough drivers for expanded night services without disrupting daytime operations.

Ruter also highlighted that Oslo’s city bikes remain available overnight, though users do so at their own risk.

Ruter acknowledged congestion after the Norway-Iraq match but said most fans eventually got home. They advised allowing extra travel time. Rail operator Vy will not add trains but will deploy extra staff at Oslo S and Nationaltheatret stations. Oslo Taxi has increased staffing and deployed all available vehicles.