Each day, more than 50 freight trains carry containers between Norwegian cities in the east, south, west, and north. Freight trains ensure that these transports are carried out in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner, saving society from greenhouse gas emissions, local air pollution, and traffic-related fatalities.
The freight train service is at risk due to economic challenges, operational problems, and strong competition from road transport. Cargo owners we have spoken to are clear that they want to use trains for long-distance transport, but this requires that the train service is cost-effective and reliable. Disruptions on the railway have major consequences for cargo owners who must reschedule and arrange for truck transport at short notice. Once freight transport shifts from rail to road, it is very challenging to get it back on the railway. If the freight train service declines, it will weaken the cargo owners’ ability to achieve their climate goals.
To ensure rail freight transport in the future, profitable freight train companies and new measures for sustainable development of rail freight transport in Norway are needed.
Our report was prepared on behalf of the Employers’ Association Spekter and the Norwegian Railway Union, and published by Spekter.
