Mälardalstrafik, the public transport authority for the Stockholm–Mälaren region in Sweden, has awarded VR Sverige, a Finnish rail operator, an eight-year contract to operate Mälartåg train services in one of the country’s fastest-growing areas.
The contract covers the operation of five regional rail lines within the Mälartåg system. It includes responsibility 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.
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.
The contract was officially signed on 8 October 2025, following a competitive tender process launched on 17 October 2024.
“We received three bids from well-established operators, which is a strong indication of the attractiveness of this contract. Following a thorough and methodical evaluation, we have now decided to award the contract to VR Sverige AB,” said Charlotte Harald, Head of Strategy and Development and project lead for the procurement at Mälardalstrafik.
This new agreement ensures the continued operation and development of Mälartåg train services, which serve over 15 million passengers annually across the Stockholm–Mälaren region.
Public transport in the region is essential for commuters, students, businesses, educational institutions, and tourism. Mälardalstrafik aims to make travelling by rail both easy and attractive in this expanding metropolitan area.
Currently, Mälardalstrafik operates a fleet of 62 trains. In response to growing passenger demand—particularly with the planned expansion of services on the Stockholm–Uppsala route in 2025—a further 13 new trains have been ordered. These are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2029.
Mälardalstrafik is jointly owned by the regions of Stockholm, Sörmland, Uppsala, Västmanland, Örebro County, and Östergötland, and is tasked with ensuring an efficient, integrated, and sustainable transport system for the Stockholm–Mälaren region.
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