In our latest episode of ‘From Mindshift to Modeshift,’ movmi’s Natalia Le Gal had a chat with Lena Moteka, Product Manager at Kolumbus Public Transit in Stavanger, Norway. Lena underscored that lasting change starts with shifting mindsets. Kolumbus Public Transit focuses on challenging entrenched habits by encouraging individuals to explore alternative transportation options in a supportive, pressure-free environment. As well as addressing psychological barriers that often deter people from considering biking or public transit.
Keep reading for the key takeaways from the webinar, or watch the full session below. Stay tuned for new episodes launching monthly.
Mindshift & Modeshift
Episode Six: How Kolumbus Public Transit is Pioneering Sustainable Commutes
Webinar Panel
Engaging Employees Through Workplace Partnerships
Workplaces are central to Kolumbus’s strategy, serving as a hub for behavioral change. “The workplace is where commuting habits are most entrenched,” Lena shared. By partnering directly with organizations, Kolumbus delivers structured programs that address common commuting challenges. Initiatives like the Car-Free Project tackle peak-hour congestion, reduce CO₂ emissions, and alleviate the demand for parking spaces. “It’s not just about reducing traffic—it’s about creating healthier, happier communities,” Lena explained.
The project empowers employees to leave their cars at home and experiment with alternatives like e-bikes or city bikes. “We’re not here to ban cars,” Lena clarified. “We want people to feel empowered to make active choices that work for them.” Employees are given free access to bikes and other resources, making it easier to test new commuting options without feeling pressured. “The goal is to create an environment where trying something new feels exciting rather than daunting,” she added.
Breaking Barriers Through Support and Awareness
One of the biggest challenges Kolumbus faces is overcoming the lack of awareness about alternative modes of transportation. “Many people think biking or public transit will be inconvenient or stressful because they’ve never tried it,” Lena explained. Kolumbus addresses these concerns by reducing the fear of the unknown. Hands-on support—such as guided e-bike trials and personalized transit plans—helps employees overcome preconceived notions. “When someone realizes that biking to work is faster than sitting in traffic, or that they can relax on the bus instead of driving, it’s a game-changer,” Lena said.
To ensure success, Kolumbus also works closely with management to secure leadership buy-in. “When leaders are on board, it’s easier to engage employees,” Lena noted. Companies that participate receive a “health check” for employees, recording baseline metrics like fitness levels and comparing them after three months. This data showcases the measurable impact of the program, both in terms of health benefits and reduced car use.
Building a Culture of Sustainability
Kolumbus understands the power of community in driving lasting change. Social momentum within workplaces encourages employees to stick with their new habits. “When people see their colleagues biking to work or taking the bus, they’re more likely to try it themselves,” Lena explained. This ripple effect fosters a culture of sustainability, where alternative commuting options become a shared norm.
Kolumbus supports this dynamic by hosting Q&A sessions and creating private social media groups for participants. “These touchpoints help employees feel connected and motivated,” Lena said. The results are impressive: over 70% of participants continue using their new commuting methods even after the program ends. “We’ve seen a 15% reduction in car use, with more people relying on public transit and bikes,” Lena added.
A Better Future, One Step at a Time
Stay tuned for the next edition of the “Mindshift to Modeshift” webinar series, where we will continue to explore innovative ways to transform transportation habits and create more sustainable cities.