The government wants train traffic to become more reliable and punctual. The Swedish Transport Administration has now been tasked with reporting on measures to improve maintenance.

”"The Swedish railway network must be improved. There is a large maintenance debt that has been built up over a long time and that requires action," says Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson (KD) at a press conference.

In June, the government called an emergency meeting with the Swedish Transport Administration and the train companies after major train disruptions. The Swedish Transport Administration had been criticized by several quarters for not delivering its timetables for track work far enough in advance. The train companies were unable to plan their staffing or release tickets for sale as planned, and freight deliveries were also affected.

The Swedish Transport Administration will now report on how it is working to strengthen the ability to carry out railway maintenance. This is with the aim of increasing the ”robustness, reliability and punctuality” of rail traffic, according to the government. However, it will take time to achieve the full effect, according to Carlson.

”It's a problem that has built up over time and it will take time, the maintenance needs are great,” he says.

The Swedish Transport Administration must also report on the punctuality trend in rail traffic over at least a five-year period. It must be clear in detail which different circumstances and actors within the railway system cause delays.

The government will make the decision on Thursday and the assignment must be reported no later than February 12, 2024.

Source: TT-DI.SE