Bybanen Bergen Light Rail is a public transport system operating since 22nd June 2010 in Bergen. It builds on the positive experiences of many similar systems which have been built during the past three decades in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.
The decision to build a light-rail system was made by the Bergen City Council in 2000. The first section with a length of 9,8 kilometres and 15 stops now operates from the Bergen city centre (Byparken) to the town centre of Nesttun.
Construction is starting in 2011 on a second section to the major shopping area at Lagunen. This section is approximately 3,6 kilometres and will add 5 stops to the line. It is expected that this section will open in 2013.
A third section is now under planning and will complete the line from the city centre to the Bergen airport at Flesland. This 7-kilometer section will add 7 new stations and a new workshop to the system. Additional extensions to the northern and western areas of the city are also being planned.
The service is operated with Variobahn vehicles delivered by Stadler Pankow GmbH and built in Berlin, Germany. The vehicles are 32 meters long and have space for approximately 220 persons (seating 84). They are bi-directional and 100% low-floor with an entrance height of 30 centimetres and a maximum speed of 70 km/hr.
The system operates each day from 0530 to 0100 with night services on weekends.
Skyss is responsible for Bybanen, including managing the tender process, planning timetables, prices and discounts, sales and tickets, marketing and information.
Bybanen AS has been established by Hordaland fylkeskommune to manage, operate and maintain the system´s infrastructure and to manage the vehicle fleet.
Bybanen Utbygging is responsible for the management, design and construction of approved extensions to the system.
Fjord1 Partner operates Bybanen under contract to Skyss.