In Stange, Norway, a new train project has inadvertently caused local schoolchildren, particularly 15-year-olds, to experience a dramatic increase in their school commute, effectively doubling their travel distance. The local population has expressed their frustration, as students like Robin Berg Emilsen lament the loss of their previously easy and short route, which used to run right under the train tracks. Many community members are now rallying against the state-owned railway company, Bane Nor, attributing the current commuting issues to what they perceive as deceptive planning strategies.

Bane Nor has acknowledged the situation, issuing apologies for the inconveniences caused to the local community. The uproar stems from feelings of betrayal, as the changes made for the train project were not exactly welcomed or clearly communicated to the public. Residents are now calling out what they describe as 'application tricks' that seem to prioritize railway expansion and operational needs over the immediate needs of local families and students, raising questions about the balance between infrastructure development and community impact.

The situation reflects broader concerns regarding the responsibilities of public transport companies in Norway and their engagement with local communities. As the mood in Stange shifts from irritation to potential activism, it is crucial for Bane Nor to address these grievances satisfactorily to restore public trust while considering further developments in local infrastructure planning that take into account the voices and needs of those directly affected.