Chaos on Gothenburg–Umeå route: What happens now?

Train traffic between Gothenburg and northern Sweden, especially the night trains to Umeå and Åre, has been affected by a series of decisions that have left travelers and municipalities frustrated and worried about the future. SJ has announced that it will discontinue the night trains on the Gothenburg-Umeå and Gothenburg-Duved routes starting at the turn of the year, with further discontinuation of the night trains to Jämtland planned for April 2025.

The Decisions Behind the Closure

SJs spokesperson Lina Edström has explained that traffic on these routes is "unprofitable" and can therefore no longer be operated without state support. SJ hopes that the Swedish Transport Administration will take responsibility and procure these routes, in the same way that night trains between Stockholm and northern Sweden are procured. But without such procurement, SJ remains firm in its decision to withdraw from Gothenburg-Umeå and Gothenburg-Duved, creating a domino effect for thousands of travelers who will now have to change trains in Stockholm if they want to travel north.

Reactions from Umeå Student Union and Other Stakeholders

Unsurprisingly, reactions have been strong. Umeå Student Union has expressed concern that these changes will hit students and other travelers hard. A petition to save the night trains has already gathered over 73,000 signatures, and the student union argues that SJ should have a public service mandate where profitability requirements do not dictate traffic on these vital routes. They see night trains as an indispensable societal function that is important for both the climate and regional accessibility.

Swedish Transport Administration Priorities and the Future of the Route

Dan Lundholm at the Swedish Transport Administration has admitted that the Gothenburg-Umeå/Åre route is not prioritized. He points out that there are other more urgent needs for night train traffic that need to be addressed first, and that they do not have the resources to ensure night trains on all desired routes. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson has previously confirmed that the decision lies with SJ and that the Transport Administration has a limited budget to support these routes.

Where Are We Heading?

For travelers, students, and municipalities in northern Sweden, SJs decision creates a reality where train connections become less accessible and more complicated. For many, trains are not just a means of travel – they are a necessity and a climate-smart alternative to cars. When the infrastructure fails to meet the needs of those living in Norrland, we risk creating an increasingly polarized transport system where certain areas fall behind. The question is: will the public sector in Sweden prioritize this part of the country?