VR Sverige Wins Mälartåg Contract: Sweden Rail Service Boost

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Introduction

VR Sverige has been awarded an eight-year contract by Mälardalstrafik to operate Mälartåg train services in the Stockholm–Mälaren region. The contract, signed on 8 October 2025, covers five regional rail lines and aims to enhance passenger satisfaction and service quality.

Main Content

Contract Details

The contract awarded to VR Sverige includes the operation of five regional rail lines within the Mälartåg system. VR Sverige will be responsible for train operations, onboard staffing (train drivers and conductors), customer service, traffic management and planning, disruption handling and emergency replacement services, as well as train and depot maintenance and lost property management.

Procurement Process

The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process initiated on 17 October 2024. Charlotte Harald, Head of Strategy and Development and project lead for the procurement at Mälardalstrafik, stated that three bids were received from well-established operators.

Service Goals

Key goals for the delivery of Mälartåg train services include high levels of passenger satisfaction, attractive service quality, robust revenue protection, sustainable asset management, and long-term workforce development.

Operational Context

The Mälartåg train services serve over 15 million passengers annually across the Stockholm–Mälaren region. Mälardalstrafik aims to make rail travel easy and attractive in the expanding metropolitan area. Currently, Mälardalstrafik operates a fleet of 62 trains. An additional 13 new trains have been ordered, with entry into service planned between 2028 and 2029, in response to growing passenger demand, particularly with the planned expansion of services on the Stockholm–Uppsala route in 2025.

Conclusion

Mälardalstrafik has awarded VR Sverige an eight-year contract to operate Mälartåg services, focusing on passenger satisfaction and efficient service delivery. The contract was signed on 8 October 2025, following a competitive bidding process.

Company Summary

Mälardalstrafik: The public transport authority for the Stockholm–Mälaren region in Sweden, jointly owned by the regions of Stockholm, Sörmland, Uppsala, Västmanland, Örebro County, and Östergötland. It is responsible for ensuring an efficient, integrated, and sustainable transport system.

VR Sverige: A Finnish rail operator awarded a contract to operate Mälartåg train services.

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