Trafikverket plans to shock increase track charges for freight traffic by rail, an increase that risks undermining both the EU’s and the Swedish government’s ambitious goals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by promoting the transfer of freight to rail. Companies in the industry are concerned and warn that this could lead to a reduced competitiveness for Swedish companies.
The Swedish Transport Agency is behind this drastic measure and has called on the Swedish Transport Administration to implement the change, citing that Sweden has not kept pace with the statutory EU fees that must be paid by users who wear out the railway infrastructure.
Affects companies’ profitability
This requirement must be met by 2025, resulting in an increase of as much as 55 percent for freight trains.
– It has a direct consequence on the profitability of our industry, says Magnus Svensson, purchasing and logistics director SCA.
A central question that arises is whether Sweden can continue its pursuit of a sustainable transport sector without compromising on companies’ competitiveness and environmental protection. One suggestion is that the government should consider subsidizing rail traffic through increased environmental compensation for transport companies.
Many canceled trains
However, the Swedish Transport Agency points out that Sweden has so far used this opportunity to a very small extent compared to countries such as Italy, Austria and Denmark.
– We already drive a lot of trucks because there is no reliability when we see a large number of canceled trains. It is also worrying that the costs of rail transport are increasing at a higher rate than in other forms of transport, says Magnus Svensson.