Oslo will soon join the list of cities banning cars from city centers.Officials will remove the remaining 700 parking spots in the Norwegian capital city’s center by the end of 2018 as part of a plan to make the area a car-free zone and support eco-friendly initiatives, The New York Times reported.The city plans to cut emissions in half by 2020 and eventually become carbon neutral by promoting zero-emissions transport, enforcing car-free zones and improving cycling and public transport infrastructure.The plan to remove cars from the city center has been in progress since 2015, but not without some opposition from business owners and locals. According to The New York Times, local business owners were concerned they would receive fewer customers without vehicle access, so city officials enacted regulations that permitted as few vehicles as possible through the center. Although the city is removing parking spots, it is creating designated handicap parking spots.If you’re a tourist in Oslo, you should research public transportation because the few streets that still have vehicle access are for residents only.Navigating public transportation in unfamiliar places can be a challenge, but locals are usually helpful when asked for directions. In Oslo, you can use the same tickets on all public transportation — that includes buses, trams, the metro and ferries. A single, pre-bought ticket costs 35 NOK, or $4 USD, for adults or $6.30 when you buy on your ride. Depending on your stay, you’re better off buying a 24-hour ticket, which costs around $12 (105 NOK) or a 7-day ticket for around $29 (249 NOK).Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Cities all around the world are trying to preserve public spaces and reduce emissions by banning cars. Even New York City officials banned vehicles from entering Central Park below 72nd Street. Similar actions took place along the Seine River in Paris and in Madrid’s city center.
