2025.10.01
Swedtrain welcomes the national plan – but calls for greater clarity on how the goals will be achieved
Swedtrain views positively the Swedish Transport Administration's proposal for a national plan for transport infrastructure 2026–2037, with an investment framework of SEK 1,171 billion.
The plan contains several important steps forward for the railway, but also areas where the level of ambition needs to be raised. Swedtrain would like to highlight the following points in particular:
Recovering maintenance debt by the target year 2050 requires resources
The fact that the Swedish Transport Administration is setting a target year – 2050 – for the first time for when the entire railway maintenance debt will be recovered is positive news. This is a clear improvement compared to the 10–15 % announced in the infrastructure bill until 2037, at the same time as there are question marks about how the target will be achieved when the funding framework remains largely the same. For this target to become a reality, increased resources and new working methods are required in close collaboration with the industry.
Strengthened competence necessary when ERTMS is prioritized
Swedtrain welcomes the fact that the introduction of ERTMS is prioritized and that financial support for on-board systems is specified. The system is not only crucial for ensuring the continued functioning of the railway, but also for enabling digitalization and streamlining of the entire system. Introducing ERTMS on the main routes first and retaining ATC in other parts is wise, but we want to emphasize the importance of the rollout on coherent routes to achieve the full effect. In addition, more efforts are needed for training and recruitment of train technicians to ensure the supply of skills in connection with the installation of on-board equipment.
Social benefit in focus – but environmental benefit overlooked
The plan's motto is societal benefit, which Swedtrain supports. At the same time, it is worrying that the environmental impact assessment assesses that the plan only contributes marginally to climate goals. This is despite the railway's great potential for energy efficiency and low emissions of CO₂ and particles. A clearer connection between societal benefit and climate benefit is needed here.
– Swedtrain's member companies offer innovative solutions for maintenance, modernization and expansion of the railway system. We believe that these can be implemented to a greater extent and at a faster pace than before and look forward to continued cooperation with the Swedish Transport Administration to implement this, says Anne Geitmann, Secretary General of Swedtrain.
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