A partnership built on trust: “We know that Tide will find a solution”

When young people travel abroad to learn about war, democracy, and human rights, it is crucial that everything runs smoothly—and that those behind the program work closely together.

“For us, Tide is really Knut Harald Kvernes,” says Ingrid Luise Røhme, emphasizing how important the relationship and his availability are in day-to-day operations.

He is the main point of contact at Tide and works at the intersection of sales, operations, and planning. They have a lot of direct contact, and getting quick answers and clarifications is absolutely crucial when many trips need to be planned and carried out simultaneously.

Young travelers need safe transportation—every step of the way

Hvite Busser operates around 100 trips a year, carrying young people from all over the country. Many of the participants are young—often as young as 15—which places extra demands on safety, structure, and execution. They partner with several bus companies, including Tide.

– We are very satisfied with the level of service. It’s not just about providing buses, but about being a partner who is available and solution-oriented when we need it.

The need for flexibility becomes particularly clear during the peak season in the fall. In September and October, weather and logistics can create challenges, and plans often need to be adjusted along the way. Hvite Busser highlights situations where ferries are canceled or routes must be changed, and where it is crucial to have a partner who can handle it quickly.

– We need a backup plan, especially on routes across the Skagerrak and the Baltic Sea. The most important thing for us is knowing that a solution exists and that we have someone behind us who will take care of it.

Good coordination between bus driver, tour guide, and transport partner

For Hvite Busser, it’s all about predictability and preparedness. Having a Plan B isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity when working with this type of travel. Our experience is that Tide delivers exactly on this—through good planning in advance and the ability to handle the unexpected.

The collaboration doesn’t stop at logistics either. On the trips, the students travel with a tour guide and a representative from Hvite Busser, and the interaction with the driver is an important part of the whole experience. Many of the drivers used on these trips have experience with the program and enjoy working closely with young people.

“The driver is part of the team. It’s important to us that we work well together, both practically and on a personal level,” says Ingrid.

The trips depart from all over the country and involve multiple branches and departure points, which requires careful coordination. At the same time, the comfort and quality of the buses are an important part of the experience for the students, who often spend many hours on the road.

– We find the buses to be very comfortable, and that’s important for the overall experience.

More than transportation: A partnership in constant evolution

Since the pandemic, the program has continued to evolve, with more trips in Norway and a broader range of themes. Democracy and human rights remain at the core, but the trips now also include places like Utøya and trips to Bosnia with a focus on recent history.

Through this evolution, the partnership with Tide has become even more important.

– When we develop our program, we rely on partners who keep up and contribute. We find that Tide does just that.

– The most important thing is being able to trust each other

Ultimately, it’s all about trust. For Hvite busser, it’s crucial to know that the partnership works—both when everything goes according to plan and when it doesn’t.

– We have to be able to trust that things will work out. And we do, Ingrid concludes.

Click here to read more about Hvite busser.