Oslopakke 2: A case study of the process that established a new transport infrastructure investment package for public transport in Oslo

In November 1997, a new transport infrastructure investment package in Oslo was announced. This package may be regarded as an extraordinary effort in the sense that it was not a part of regular transport planning excersised in the region. However, the Oslopakke 2 initiative implies that the package should be linked to ordinary and future planning processes as part of its implementation. The study reveals the significance of an early approval of the initiative in the Parliament. Further, the need of successful negotiations on the content of the package seems to be regarded superior to assessing various effects of alternatives and measures. In this sense, the Oslopakke 2 planning process has only to a minor degree been undertaking according to traditions of strategic and rational transport planning. On the other hand, the study indicates that the plan contains qualities with regard to implementation, as compared to more traditional county planning in the sector.