Mälardalstrafik, the regional train operator in the Mälardalen region, has published a preliminary notice in the EU’s web magazine TED regarding a possible new procurement for train traffic. The traffic is expected to start in December 2026 at the earliest. According to regulations, such notice must be given at least one year in advance before a new tender procedure can be opened.
The current agreement between Mälardalstrafik and MTR Mälartåg, the current train operator, is valid until December 2029 with an option for another year. However, MTR Mälartåg has been facing major problems with regional train traffic ever since taking over the train operation from SJ and Transdev in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The issues primarily stem from a lack of personnel, especially train drivers, which is partly caused by a poor working environment. To mitigate these problems, MTR Mälartåg has reduced traffic by up to 30 percent to avoid last-minute train cancellations. The situation has been extremely costly for MTR, leading to significant losses. Similar problems in commuter train traffic in the Stockholm region have further added to the financial struggles.
Overall, the train traffic in Sweden, including both the procured traffic in Stockholm and Mälardalen and the commercial traffic between Stockholm and Gothenburg, has cost MTR over two billion kroner, with losses continuing to mount. The agreement on profitable traffic in the Stockholm subway will expire in 2025, and procurement is currently ongoing. If MTR fails to win or secures the contract with a low bid, their only cash cow will be lost.
Considering these challenges, Mälardalstrafik wants to ensure the possibility of traveling by train for passengers. The company, owned by the six regions in Mälardalen, intends to continuously evaluate alternatives that best ensure a well-functioning train service. Hanna Bergström, head of Traffic and infrastructure at Mälardalstrafik, emphasizes the focus on maintaining the current agreement and continuing collaboration with MTR Mälartåg until December 2029.
Mälardalstrafik announced the possibility of starting a new procurement in a year at the earliest to have flexibility. However, no decisions have been made yet regarding a new procurement. The goal remains to work with MTR Mälartåg for another six years. As the process of procuring train traffic is extensive and time-consuming, the situation will continue to be monitored closely.