SL Faces Significant Financial Challenges Due to Declining Ridership in 2025

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) is bracing for a challenging financial year in 2025, as it anticipates a loss of over 130 million SEK in ticket revenues due to decreased ridership on its public transport services. The decline, which has already seen SL lose 46 million SEK by April compared to earlier forecasts, has been attributed to ongoing issues with train infrastructure and delays in the procurement of new electric buses, causing a 2% drop in travel at the year's start.

The updated ridership forecast has been adjusted down from 85% to 84% of pre-pandemic levels, leading to an estimated total revenue loss of 131 million SEK for SL this year. Despite a relatively stable financial outlook with an anticipated surplus of 283 million SEK, which is 103 million SEK better than budgeted, SL faces increased pressure as regional politicians are set to raise surplus requirements significantly. These requirements will rise from 180 million SEK in 2025 to a staggering 926 million SEK by 2027.

To cope with these financial realities, SL is planning a series of revenue-enhancing measures and cost-saving initiatives. However, details on how these will be implemented remain sparse. Notably, a major reduction in subway services is planned from June 23 to August 10, particularly affecting the Green Line. This will include the complete closure of the Farsta branch beyond Skärmarbrink and a halving of services on the Hässelby branch, leading to extended travel times and heightened risks of congestion.

Officials have expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of SL's operations given the current trajectory, urging a reconsideration of service levels to address both operational and financial demands. As SL implements adjustments in the face of decreasing ridership, the future of public transport in the Stockholm region remains uncertain, reflecting a broader challenge faced by many transit systems adapting to post-pandemic realities.