Sweden revises northern night train tender structure

Sweden’s night train contract model for services to the north is being redesigned. Trafikverket canceled the current tender. The bids received did not fall within the established financial limits.

According to Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration ended the ongoing procurement process. It plans to relaunch it under a revised structure. That structure is adapted to current market conditions and budgetary constraints. The aim is to redefine the contractual setup. It also aims to ensure service continuity after the existing agreement expires in December 2026.

Why Trafikverket canceled the tender?

Under the new framework, Trafikverket plans to adjust how risks are distributed. It will also take a more active role in managing the aging rolling stock fleet. The authority says this should create more balanced and attractive conditions for operators. In addition, it should support sustainable, competitive bids.

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“Operators will have the opportunity to introduce additional night trains during peak periods, such as the busy travel season,” said Lennart Kalander, deputy head of the department at Trafikverket.

Trafikverket is tasked with ensuring transport accessibility across Sweden. Commercial services do not sufficiently cover certain routes. In those cases, the agency arranges state-subsidized services. These services supplement the mobility network within available budget limits. For example, that approach includes night train services between Stockholm and Sweden’s far north. It also covers similar contracts for rail, air, road and maritime connections to Gotland.

Night train contract model and route requirements

The route is strategically important for the region’s residents, tourism and the economy of Norrland. Norrland is Sweden’s largest region. It covers about 60% of the country’s territory. At the same time, its population density remains low.

Under the new requirements, at least one daily round-trip service must be maintained. This applies to the Stockholm–Narvik and Stockholm–Umeå routes. Also, the model allows for extra trains during peak periods. This is intended to meet higher demand, especially in the tourist season.

Meanwhile, deliveries of new rolling stock are scheduled to start in 2030. It is intended for the night train services. This is expected to improve comfort, reliability and the overall quality of service.

Night train services to Norrland today

At present, SJ AB operates night train services to northern Sweden. These include connections to Umeå, Luleå and Narvik. The contract was awarded through the public service subsidy system. Trafikverket outlined this when it announced the direct award to SJ.

These connections remain vital for mobility in the north. Long distances and limited transport alternatives shape travel there. Night train services remain a critical component for residents, the regional economy and tourism.

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