Track charges in Sweden have been raised significantly over several years and were already higher in 2020 than in many other countries – especially for heavier freight trains.
However, the single biggest increase now took place in December, when charges for freight trains increased by an average of 37 percent. Heavier trains pay more.
The reason for the sharp increase is that the Swedish Transport Administration for the first time adjusted track charges for freight trains to the statutory minimum level.
– We would have liked a slightly slower pace of adaptation, but we have to follow the existing legislation, says Håkan Persson, head of unit at the Swedish Transport Administration.
Transport is moved to road
Skogsindustriern is one of the largest players in freight transport by rail in Sweden and regularly transports heavy loads.
– This impairs the competitiveness of the Swedish forest industry and will mean increased fossil emissions, says Skogsindustrierns CEO Viveka Beckeman.
According to Beckeman, several companies have already begun the process of moving freight from rail to road.
– This is not something they want to do, but in order to survive in a competitive market, it is a necessary evil.
Green Cargo, the largest railway operator for goods in Sweden, also warns of increased road transport.
– There will be more trucks on the roads, which means increased emissions, wear and tear and increased congestion, says Stephan Ray, Green Cargo’s communications manager.
The track charges aim to cover the costs that the traffic gives rise to, isn’t it reasonable that the business community joins in and pays for it?
– Yes, of course, but the level must be evidence-based and carefully thought out. It should also reflect the quality that freight traffic receives, and there is more to be desired, Ray believes.
The charges are being investigated
The government has given the Swedish Transport Administration the task of reviewing the railway charges. The result must be reported by 30 June 2025 at the latest.
Stephan Ray and Viveka Beckeman welcome the review but think the government should already restore track fees to their previous level.
– The more people who manage to move over to the road, the more difficult it will be to move back, warns Beckeman.
SVT has sought infrastructure minister Andreas Carlson (KD), who has not wanted to appear for an interview.