SJ: Women, Sweden’s Rail & Sustainable Transport Insights

Introduction

A recent survey commissioned by SJ revealed that 68% of women in Sweden had traveled by train in the past year, compared to 61% of men. The study, conducted between May 5 and June 4, 2025, involved 2,141 participants and examined public perceptions of the Swedish rail system.

Travel Frequency and Gender

The survey, which measured public attitudes towards Sweden’s rail system, found that 64% of respondents had traveled by train within the past year. Specifically, 68% of women reported train travel in the last 12 months, versus 61% of men. According to Johannes Cleris, Press Strategist at SJ, “The statistics show clear differences between women and men. Sixty-eight per cent of women have travelled by train in the past year, compared to sixty-one per cent of men.”

Transport Preferences for Domestic Trips

The survey highlighted gender differences in transport preferences for longer domestic trips. Overall, 42% of respondents preferred the train and 42% the car. However, 47% of women preferred the train compared to 37% who preferred the car. Conversely, 46% of men preferred the car, and 37% preferred the train. Johannes Cleris added, “The results correlate quite clearly with several other surveys that show that environmental and climate issues are more important for women than for men.”

Travel Frequency and Demographics

The majority of Swedish train travelers, 42%, reported traveling by train “a few times a year.” Another 11% traveled monthly, and 6% traveled weekly. The survey also revealed that younger people, urban residents, and those with higher education levels were most likely to have traveled by train in the past year. Train travel was least common among those over 65, residents of rural areas, and individuals without an upper secondary education.

Preferences and Demographics

The survey found a correlation between demographics and transport preferences. The train was most favored by women, people aged 18–29, city dwellers, and low-income earners. The car was most popular among older people, rural residents, and those with lower educational attainment. Johannes Cleris stated, “The groups that clearly prefer the train to the car are mainly women, 18–29-year-olds, city dwellers and low-income earners. The car is more popular among the elderly, people in rural areas and people who have not completed high school.”

Conclusion

The survey, conducted with 2,141 participants between May 5 and June 4, 2025, explored travel habits and public perceptions of SJ and the Swedish railway system. The survey included questions about governance, funding, company responsibilities, emissions, onboard technology, and trust in rail operations.

Company Summary

SJ: The company for whom the nationwide survey was conducted, SJ is a rail operator in Sweden.