The SHARE-North Squared family just got a little bit bigger! The Interreg North Sea Programme Monitoring Committee has approved 12 projects to receive additional Norwegian funding to enable new and stronger Norwegian involvement.
Thanks to the additional funding, the City of Bergen (Bergen kommune) joins the SN² project! A warm welcome to Hege, Soukaina, Thomas, and Elisabeth! In this article, we introduce our newest family members.
Hege Løtveit
What is your job title?
I am the 'Head of transport division' within the Planning- and building department. I started working for the City of Bergen in 2022.
What are you mostly working on?
I am mostly involved in matters relating to transport and area planning.
What is your favourite mode of transport?
I really enjoy walking!
Why did Bergen kommune join the SN² project?
We are very keen on improving our knowledge about parking bylaws. We are therefore excited about joining this knowledge-rich consortium that is working towards the same goals as the City of Bergen.
Soukaina Legdani Hiis Bergh
What is your job title?
I work as a 'Transport and City Planner' at the City of Bergen. I joined the department in 2020.
What are you mostly working on?
My focus is on strategic urban development, master plans and urban design concepts.
What is your favourite mode of transport?
A bike, and it is even better if it is an electric bike!
What can SN² learn from Bergen kommune?
In a national context characterized by heavy car dependency, Bergen has been a pioneer in Norway in carsharing and mobility hubs. Our city's approach to fostering carsharing and the updates to our mobility strategies can be a valuable asset to the partners in the SN² project.
Thomas Leathem
What is your job title?
I am a 'Senior Planner' for the City of Bergen. I joined the team in 2013 already.
What are you mostly working on?
I am involved in updating the city plan (with a focus on parking regulations), the light-rail system planning, general planning and urban transformation areas.
What is your favourite mode of transport?
Cycling - at least, if the weather permits...
What can Bergen kommune learn from SN²?
Bergen is currently revising its parking regulations and is committed to reducing the use of private vehicles. We would like to exchange experience with fellow partners in the SN² team and get a good understanding as to how they integrate shared mobility into their real estate and area development plans.
Elisabeth Husa
What is your job title?
I work as a 'Planner and advisor' within the Transportation Department. I joined the team this year, in 2025.
What are you mostly working on?
My main projects are related to the 'Bybane' project, namely the expansion of the light-rail the City of Bergen.
What is your favourite mode of transport?
I walk where I can, even in Bergen's rainy weather. But in the winter, I mostly take the bus. There is unfortunately no light-rail connection to where I live - at least, not yet ;-)
What do you hope to achieve in the project?
I believe that the SN² project offers an opportunity for both Bergen to learn from other SN² members, and for other members to learn from Bergen. Sharing knowledge to work towards less car-dependent transportation in cities across our countries can be done in many ways, and we can inspire each other by sharing experiences with different solutions and opportunities.
Edited by Jelten Baguet (Mpact)
Photo by Kaitlyn Collins on Unsplash.