Since 2016, MTR has been responsible for commuter train traffic in Stockholm, but after not reaching expected levels, the collaboration between them and SL was terminated in advance. This has now resulted in SJ taking over commuter train traffic in the Stockholm region.
From March 3, SJ’s trains will instead cover the 54 stations that connect Stockholm with Gnesta, Södertälje and Nynäshamn in the south to Bålsta, Märsta, Arlanda and Uppsala in the north. This over the 241 kilometer rail.
As of March 3, the collaboration between SJ and SL on commuter train traffic began. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT & Tim Aro/SvD/TT
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Travelers’ criticism of SJ
With the takeover of traffic, SJ shared the news with followers on Facebook. However, the reactions have been strong.
In the post, several opinions of a negative nature have now been aired from followers and travelers.
“How did you think you would manage to run the trains here when regional traffic does not work particularly well? You always have to pay for an overnight stay where you have to have a meeting because of all the delays,” writes one traveler.
“It’s been a long time since you could trust SJ, now it’s probably getting worse”.
“SJ when you don’t have other goals in life to fit in,” writes another annoyed.
“I don’t think you can find solutions before then to the problems of train stops on your regional journeys and then talk about starting to run suburban trains. We will really suffer”.
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Photo: Screenshot Facebook/SJ AB
However, not all comments have been critical. Some instead welcome SJ’s takeover of commuter train traffic in the Stockholm region.
“Can you take over the trains in Västra Götaland from Västtrafik with? I would like to see more trains between Gothenburg and Borås so that I don’t have to drive every day…”
“Hey SJ”
“Good luck!”
Photo: Screenshot Facebook/SJ AB
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SJ’s response to the criticism: “Warm reception”
When News24 reaches SJ Stockholmståg’s communications manager, Stina Petrinishe replies in an email that since traffic has been taken over with short notice, no major changes will be implemented in the short term.
“We take over the traffic with very short notice. Therefore, we cannot implement any major changes in connection with the start of traffic. The most important thing in the short term is to ensure as stable traffic as possible. As soon as possible, we will then review which changes must be done,” she writes.
When it comes to the criticism directed at the takeover, Petrini rather believes that it has received a warm reception, but that it will work hard to ensure a well-functioning commuter train service in Stockholm.
“We have received a very warm welcome from both employees and passengers. Commuter train traffic is an important artery that many residents in the Stockholm region depend on. We will now work hard to ensure robust, accessible and well-functioning commuter train traffic in Stockholm. We had not taken us ann the assignment if we didn’t think we could make significant improvements, but you have to be prepared that it’s a big job that will take some time,” writes Stina Petrini to Nyheter24.
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