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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Friday, September 20, 2024

Northern Sweden Rail Chaos Sparks Political Outcry

Published: 2024-08-09

In northern Sweden, political leaders are expressing frustration over ongoing train disruptions caused by issues with the new ERTMS signaling system.

The problems have led to significant delays and cancellations on the railway line between Sundsvall and Umeå, with some sections being replaced by buses.

Umeå's municipal councilor, Hans Lindberg, and other regional politicians are demanding action from both the Swedish Transport Administration and the government, citing a series of infrastructure failures that impact local economies and the country's growth.

Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson acknowledges the inconvenience but has not promised additional compensation, stating that affected train operators can seek damages under existing regulations.

The Transport Administration is working to resolve the technical issues, which are expected to persist for several more weeks, while also reviewing procedures to prevent future occurrences.