The route that gets the most new departures is the one between Stockholm and Uppsala because SJ is shutting down the “Uppsalapendeln”.
But that route getting more departures will mean increased pressure on the organization and give smaller margins, says Anton Fendert (MP), chairman of the board for Mälardalstrafik.
– The fact that we can do this is because Mälardalstrafik has a more stable personnel and vehicle situation now than we had before, but I want to be clear that this is an effort. The best thing for the travelers would have been if SJ planned more long-term and continued to run this route, or at least had given us information that they are closing with better foresight. Now we have to prepare according to the situation, he says.
More departures
In Sörmland, several routes will have several departures. The stretch between Eskilstuna and Västerås will have a total of ten new departures on weekdays and supplementary direct buses during the weekends.
Between Västerås and Sala there will be six new departures in commuting time on weekdays, to increase the half-hourly traffic and the number of continuous departures to and from Uppsala.
The Nyköping-Stockholm route will also have three new departures on weekdays and four new departures on Sundays, but this will apply from this spring.
Says they will deliver
But the question that many travelers ask themselves is whether Mälardalstrafik and Transdev, which is the company that runs the trains, will be able to deliver what is now promised.
Monica Johansson (S) at Region Sörmland, who is second vice chairman of Mälardalstrafik’s board, does not want to answer any questions but refers to Mälardalstrafik.
But Anton Fendert (MP), chairman of the board for Mälardalstrafik, says that they will be able to keep their promise even if the situation is strained.
– Intensive work is currently underway with traffic and personnel planning ahead of the timetable change in mid-December, which includes Transdev working to recruit new employees before December 15, he says.
How should Mälardalstrafik together with Transdev deliver multiple departures? Hear Mälardalstrafik’s communications manager Katarina Myrberg in the clip at the top.