E-scooters

About the company

Kolumbus is Rogaland county's mobility- and public transport authority, owned by the county and have around 50 employees + 25 in the customer center.  In 2017 Kolumbus was given operational responsibility for mobility in the region,  through a political decision at the county council, and through Byvekstavtalen /  Bymiljøpakken. The overall goal is to contribute to the national  "Zero Growth Target" (Nullvekstmålet).  Kolumbus is expanding its offer to include city bicycle, self-driving bus, train, walk, car-sharing, and door to-  door transport.

Background

Micro mobility and especially e-scooters have during the last couple of years, disrupted the mobility industry, and cities all around the world were caught off guard. The operators (like Ryde, Voi, Bird, TIER, Wynd, Bolt) have challenged existing laws and legislations, but at the same time pointed out that regulations are strictly necessary. People have been given an ultra-flexible the vehicle, and the use of these former youthful toys - but now tech-heavy and better-built vehicles - has skyrocketed. The operators would like to collaborate with cities and possibly with companies like Kolumbus as well, and both are sharing the same purpose; reduce the use of cars. There is a pilot in Stavanger in 2020; Ryde started up early spring, and during the summer, TIER has followed.

Challenge

Why, and - if yes - how, should Kolumbus as a public company

a) collaborate with the different e-scooters operators, and

b) offer e-scooter as a service to the people living in Nord-Jæren/Rogaland?