Sweden's future prosperity and economic growth are based on having a well-functioning transport system, where the railways form the backbone and are a prerequisite for it to function. Therefore, JBS, the Railway Industry Cooperation Forum, has developed a common vision together with all leading players in the railway industry. The vision has also been developed in dialogue with the transport sector's stakeholders.

– While Europe is becoming increasingly interconnected, Sweden risks losing both accessibility and competitiveness. We are convinced that this trend can be reversed and that railways have a key role as the backbone of an integrated and seamless transport system for a growing, climate-smart and more dynamic Sweden. To succeed, we need to think beyond the current Swedish railway system. We need to see ourselves as part of a larger system, together with other modes of transport in Sweden, says Kristoffer Tamsons, Chairman of JBS.

Vision 2050: The transport system brings us closer – Sweden grows with the railway

Our vision for 2050 is that the Swedish railway is the backbone that ensures that the EU's transport policy goals are achieved. Multimodal cross-border transport solutions and new capacity for the railway have become a success story for Sweden. Shorter travel times have created a more accessible and competitive Sweden. The proportion of passengers and freight carried by rail has increased significantly since 2020. Citizens, businesses and the public appreciate and exploit the advantages of the railway as a reliable, energy-efficient and obvious mode of transport.

Our vision for 2050 is also a transport system that brings us closer. Closer to each other, closer within and between our regions, and closer between our neighboring countries and the rest of Europe. And not least closer connections between different modes of transport. It is about shifting gears and taking the leap to a whole new level of integration, efficiency and smart solutions in transport systems.

We set the bar high and want to see the following four areas fulfilled by 2050:

• We build Swedish prosperity through increased economic growth and stronger international competitiveness
• We offer customized solutions for reliable and smooth travel and freight flows.
• We have an integrated transport system that connects Sweden and the rest of the world.
• We have a robust technical infrastructure and an organization characterized by a systems approach, long-term perspective and holistic thinking.

The journey towards 2050 – roadmap and strategic initiatives

The journey towards 2050 is multifaceted. On the one hand, all of us actors in the railway sector need to take responsibility together and solve some of the most critical key issues. It is also necessary that the environment gives us the right conditions. The journey requires significantly greater responsibility and commitment from politics, authorities and the business community.

To achieve the vision, JBS will develop a roadmap in spring 2024 that addresses both long-term development areas and measures that will yield results in the near future. The work is being done in broad dialogue with stakeholders in the transport sector.

We, the railway industry, want to see a Sweden that is committed to the future – that invests in areas

that lays the foundation for opportunities, prosperity and development towards a more vibrant, secure and competitive Sweden. That is what our vision is about.

Read more about the vision here.

According to the press release.