The governments of Sweden and Norway have decided to jointly investigate a faster rail connection between Oslo and Stockholm. During Almedalen Week, there will therefore be a major focus on discussing solutions to strengthen the connection between our two neighboring countries.
– It is very good that politicians are listening to the needs that exist and that they have together begun to investigate the connection. We and many others have been waiting for this decision to be made on both sides of the border for a long time, says Jonas Karlsson, CEO, Oslo-Sthlm 2.55.
It is only 400 kilometers between Stockholm and Oslo, but today the journey takes just over five hours. Before the pandemic, 1.4 million flights were made between the cities each year; with a travel time of under three hours by train, it is estimated that a full million of these trips will be moved to the train instead. This means a significant reduction in climate emissions and major societal benefits.
– The climate benefits would be extensive – our studies on the project show that the railway is profitable after just five years from a climate perspective. It is also a project that shows extensive regional benefits and would greatly strengthen the Nordic countries' vision of becoming the world's most sustainable and integrated region by 2030, says Jonas Karlsson.
Enable new financing solutions
The Oslo-Sthlm 2.55 company has previously shown that it is possible to finance most of the new railway with ticket revenue that would be enough to pay for large parts of the infrastructure. Something that a number of industry players also confirm is possible and want to discuss the possibilities. Several different models for a faster implementation of the connection have been developed together with a number of train operators, financial players and construction companies.
- We must be able to change the transport system. We must also be able to build faster and finance the change. We are not doing that today. There are a number of actors from the business community who are showing a great willingness to contribute with new solutions. We look forward to that discussion during our seminar in Almedalen, concludes Jonas Karlsson.
Participants do:
Aud Kolberg, Norwegian Ambassador to Sweden
Monica Lingegård, CEO, SJ
Andreas Hatzigeorgiou, CEO Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
John Turesson, CEO, SEB Norway
Ivan Bradetic, Sales Manager, Alstom
Jonas Karlsson, CEO, Oslo-Sthlm 2.55
Time and place:
Tuesday, July 5, 9:00-9:45
Donnergatan 2, Wisby Strand Congress & Event, ”Lojsta”
According to the press release
