From 2 May, a completely new bus network will be introduced, featuring new routes, updated paths, and new line numbers.
During a typical day of operation, Brakar runs an average of 1.2 buses per minute across the City Bridge (Bybrua). Its demolition will consequently have significant implications for bus traffic.
"Until now, all city center buses have served both the Bragernes and Strømsø sides of the river. It goes without saying that it will be a challenge for bus traffic when we can no longer cross the river here," says CEO of Brakar, Terje Sundfjord.
Changes affecting nearly all lines operating in Drammen mean they will now be shortened to terminate at either Bragernes Torg or Drammen Bus Station/Strømsø Torg.
"We have worked thoroughly and spent a lot of time creating a service that minimizes inconvenience for our passengers, but it is unavoidable that for some, it may take longer to reach their destination," says Sundfjord.
Starting 2 May
The new routes take effect on Monday, 2 May. This is slightly before the new pedestrian bridge is ready and the demolition of the City Bridge begins; however, preparatory work on the bridge during this period means buses will be unable to cross.
Brakar has not been granted extra funding for this reorganization and must therefore operate within the existing fleet and mileage. The new network will remain in place until the new bridge is completed in 2025.
Brakar will send information brochures regarding the changes to all households in Drammen and Lier well in advance of 2 May. We will also run a major information campaign in newspapers, cinemas, and online. Information will be available on the buses, and during the first week, Brakar will have guides present at all major stops in the city center to help passengers find their bus. All relevant stops will also feature updated signage.
Major changes include:
Only Line 3 (Kastanjesletta-Fjell), Line 5 (Tors vei-Vinnes), and the new Line 2 will cross the river. These will use the Øvre Sund Bridge, but lines 3 and 5 will not serve Bragernes Torg.
Three new lines:
2: Drammen Bus Station – Bragernes Torg
14: Underlia – Strøtvet
25: Gulskogen – Drammen Bus Station
Four lines will have new routes: This applies to lines 4, 15, 21, and 61.
New Timetables
Many lines will have new timetables, and some will see changes in frequency. Some of the primary changes are:
Line 15: Three additional departures between Drammen and Austad.
Line 61: Four additional departures on weekdays and twice as many on Sundays between Bragernes and Lierbyen.
Line 4: Three additional departures on Sundays between Drammen and Kniveåsen.
Lines 14, 15, and 16: Increased summer service to Austad, Underlia, and Mælen.
Line 61: Slightly fewer departures on Saturdays and a shift from half-hourly to hourly frequency on Sundays between Bera and Bragernes.
Line 14: More consistent hourly frequency, but slightly fewer departures on weekdays between Underlia and Bragernes.
Line 25: No Sunday departures between Drammen Bus Station and Gulskogen, but alignment with Gulskogen Center's opening hours is improved for the rest of the week.
Passengers are encouraged to check updated times in the Brakar Reise or Entur apps.
Transferring Between Buses
In several cases, passengers will need to cross the river to transfer between Bragernes Torg and Drammen Bus Station. We recommend using the new pedestrian bridge, as this will be the easiest and fastest option.
Additionally, a dedicated shuttle bus (Line 2) will run between the bus station and Bragernes. It operates on weekdays and Saturdays, outside of rush hours.
Fylkeshuset will become a new hub where it may be beneficial to change buses, depending on your destination.
The Night Bus is Back
The night bus returns starting the weekend of 6–7 May, and for the first time, Brakar will offer a night service to Fjell. Night services will be available on 3N Fjell, 4N Kniveåsen, 22N Konnerud, and 51N Mjøndalen. Please note that only the night bus to Mjøndalen will depart from Bragernes Torg; the others depart from Strømsø Torg/Drammen Bus Station.