Experts Warn of Deteriorating Swedish Freight Rail Network Amid Climate Goals
Sweden's freight rail network faces challenges as government policies favor trucking over rail, threatening climate targets and operational viability.
Key Points
- • Sweden's freight rail network has declined by 73% in operational stations since 1987.
- • Government policies have favored truck transport, contradicting climate goals.
- • Emissions from road traffic rose by 18% last year, risking EU climate targets for 2030.
- • Rail freight punctuality is down to 70%, affecting reliability.
Sweden's freight rail network is facing significant decline, raising serious concerns about the nation's ability to meet its climate targets. According to a critical report, government policies have hampered the competitiveness of rail transport, prioritizing truck freight despite a growing need for emission reductions in the transport sector.
Since the 1950s, the operational landscape of Sweden's freight rail has dramatically changed, with the number of active freight stations plummeting by 73%, from 530 in 1987 to just 142 today. Experts argue that this decline contradicts the government's climate commitments. Bo-Lennart Nelldal, an emeritus professor at KTH, emphasized that despite the necessity to decrease transport emissions, which account for about a third of Sweden's total emissions, government actions favor trucking over rail. Nelldal pointed out that emissions from road traffic have risen by 18% in the last year alone, putting Sweden at risk of substantial fines for failing to meet EU climate regulations for 2030.
The shift in freight dynamics has also seen a move towards larger 'system trains,' which are designed to serve major industrial clients, leaving smaller businesses with fewer options and making rail access more challenging. Ulf Nyström, a rail transport expert, noted that the competitive landscape has changed for companies like Green Cargo, which are incurring significant losses due to pressure from the lower pricing associated with system trains.
Furthermore, the reliability of rail freight has suffered, with only 70% of trains arriving on time. This unreliability not only diminishes the appeal of rail compared to road options but also complicates intermodal logistics, as fewer loading terminals are operational to facilitate transfers between rail and road transport.
Recent government decisions, including reduced diesel taxes and higher rail fees, have compounded the issues, making rail freight an increasingly expensive option. Despite vocal support for enhancing the rail system, experts believe that the current policies signal a continued preference for trucks over rail, endangering both the freight rail network and Sweden's climate commitments.