FAQ

What does Arlandabanan Infrastructure do?

As a contracting party in relation to A-Train, our task is to ensure compliance with the contract and to fulfil our obligations and protect our rights in all Arlandabanan contracts. We ensure that the contracts are adapted to changes in the external environment and we take an active part in monitoring the company’s and the state’s rights when A-Train renews its loans and changes creditor or changes owner. We also ensure that the state’s various stakeholders, including Swedavia, Jernhusen and the Swedish Transport Administration, meet their obligations and act appropriately in relation to Arlandabanan, for example if rebuilding takes place adjacent to the railway.

Who owns the tracks and stations on Arlandabanan?

The state-owned company, Arlandabanan Infrastructure AB, owns the track and stations. As the company did not finance the entire infrastructure, we have agreed to allow A-Train, who built the railway line, to receive compensation in the form of the right to utilize the line until 2040. This right also includes the right to charge fees on Arlandabanan and its stations.

What happens if A-Train goes bankrupt?

In the event of bankruptcy, the banks that have lent money to A-Train are entitled to allow another party to operate the service on their behalf. If they do not do so, the right of use reverts back to Arlandabanan Infrastructure and we will have to ensure that the railway service is maintained.

Can the contract with A-Train be cancelled?

Yes, the contract can be cancelled and A-Train can be bought out of the contract. This can only happen, however, if A-Train has acted in such a way as to harm the integration of railway services on Ostkustbanan (Swedish East Coast Line) and the Swedish Government has expressed its dissatisfaction about the situation. The contract can also be cancelled if A-Train is in breach of contract or becomes insolvent.

Is it too late to cancel the contract as a result of inadequate integration?

No, there is no maximum time limit for when the contract can be cancelled, assuming that A-Train has not actively tried to harm integrated railway services on Arlandabanan.

Why is the contract so long?

The contract had to be long in order to encourage private companies and financiers to submit bids. Otherwise, the risk would have been too great for them to agree to plan, finance, build and operate the line and rail services.

Can the price for other railway companies to run services on the line be set at any level?

No. A-Train’s pricing of the track and stations is subject to the supervision of the Swedish Transport Agency and the regulations laid down in the Swedish Railways Act. The fees must be based on the principle of the infrastructure manager’s own costs and the right to a reasonable profit. If a railway company considers the fee to be incorrect, it can ask the Swedish Transport Agency to review the pricing and underlying basis for it.

Why is Arlanda Express not subsidized in the same way as SL (Stockholm Transport) services?

The Swedish state and Swedish municipalities do not consider travel to and from airports to be a public service but rather something that travellers should pay for themselves. Consequently, commercial bus operators, such as Flygbussarna (Airport Coaches), often run connection services to Sweden’s major Airports.

Why are Arlanda Express tickets so expensive?

The ticket price has to cover all the costs for Arlanda Express, including the track and stations. The service is not subsidized in the same way as other public transport. The ticket price also has to cover the costs of unprofitable departures late in the evening, early in the morning and at weekends, when few people travel. The frequency of Arlanda Express service is regulated by contract and is not something the operator can reduce even if only a few people are using the service.

Who sets the price on Arlanda Express?

A-Train sets the price on Arlanda Express? The price is not regulated. Competition from airport coaches (Flygbussarna) and taxis means that there is always an alternative to the train if people consider it too expensive.

Do A-Train's owners take all the profits?

The profit generated by A-Train is distributed among its owners. When the profit has reached a certain level, the Swedish state shall receive a royalty. The first royalty payment was made in 2017.

Why is the price on Arlanda Express unregulated?

Because A-Train, the Arlanda Express operator, has taken all the market risk.

Who is responisble for the barriers at Arlanda Central?

The barriers are owned and operated by SL (Stockholm Transport)/UL (Uppsala Transport). They also collect the revenue from the barriers.

Who sets the price of a station access ticket at Arlanda Central?

It is up to each rail company to decide what they want to charge for station access. All train operators pay to stop and drop or pick up passengers at railway stations in Sweden. Normally this cost is invisible to the passenger and hidden among all the operator’s other costs included in the price of the ticket. At Arlanda Central, the rail companies have chosen not to do this. Tickets are sold there with a visible supplement for the passenger or as a separate supplement that is checked and/or paid when entering or leaving the station.

So, A-Train does not set the price of the station access ticket?

A-Train receives payment from the rail companies, not from individual passengers. The fee that A-Train charges the rail companies does not need to be passed on unchanged to the passenger, unless the rail company wishes to do so. Each rail company is free to choose how it wishes to be paid by its passengers.