Flytoget AS has officially become a subsidiary of Norway’s Vy gruppen AS, following approvals at the general meetings of both companies on 31 March. The merger process will be phased, with Flytoget’s routes expected to be integrated into Vy’s regional train services by 2028 at the latest.
Vy CEO Gro Bakstad and Flytoget CEO Ståle Nistov stated: “We were tasked with merging the two companies into a strong, state-owned passenger train operator last autumn. Over the past months, we have collaborated closely, built strong relationships, and established a solid cooperation agreement.”
Government aims for a unified passenger train operator
The Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications has emphasised that the objective of the merger is to create a robust, unified passenger train company. Flytoget has built a strong reputation since its inception, delivering reliable services and maintaining high customer satisfaction. The ministry has expressed clear expectations that Flytoget’s culture and workforce will be preserved within the new, larger organisation, fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation.
A key factor behind the merger is the limited capacity in the railway tunnel through Oslo, which restricts the ability to add more train departures. To optimise rail services for commuters and daily travellers, the government decided that Flytoget’s dedicated airport train service would be integrated into the regular train network by 2028.
No immediate changes for passengers
Until the integration takes place, Flytoget and Vy will continue to operate as separate brands with no changes to their current services. Passengers must still purchase a Flytoget ticket to travel on Flytoget services, while Vy and Ruter tickets remain valid only on Vy trains.
“Flytoget has developed a service that customers highly appreciate, and we are committed to preserving and enhancing these qualities. This applies not only to the product itself but also to the culture of innovation. By working closely together, we aim to deliver even better solutions for rail passengers,” Bakstad stated.
“Both Vy and Flytoget staff provide excellent service and receive strong customer feedback. Skilled and motivated employees are essential for delivering a high-quality experience. Our goal is to ensure our workforce remains proud of their roles and empowered to provide the best possible service,” Nistov added.
Vy and Flytoget have agreed that the merger should retain the best aspects of both companies while enabling further improvements.
“The unified passenger train operator will set ambitious goals for customer satisfaction and quality, with a strong focus on innovation and service development. We are excited to collaborate with Vy to enhance rail services for both air travellers and daily commuters. Our aim is to maintain high public transport usage to Oslo Airport while offering fast, frequent train services for everyday passengers,” Nistov said.
Key points about the Vy and Flytoget merger
Until 2028:
- Flytoget and Vy will continue operating as separate brands.
- No changes will be made to current routes.
- Flytoget’s pricing and ticketing system will remain unchanged.
- Vy and Ruter tickets will not be valid on Flytoget services, and vice versa.
From 2028 onwards:
- Flytoget’s dedicated airport service will be replaced by regional train services available to all passengers.
- Train frequency will increase:
- Drammen to Oslo: +3 departures per hour.
- Lillestrøm to Oslo: +6 departures per hour.
- A unified ticketing system (Vy/Ruter) will be introduced.
- Up to 10 departures per hour will operate between Oslo S and Oslo Airport.
- Flytoget’s service standards will be maintained as much as possible.
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