Twenty passenger train operators and 16 freight operators have submitted track access applications to Sweden’s state infrastructure manager, Trafikverket.
The design process will now begin for the 2015 timetable, which is due to come into operation on December 14 this year.
Among the applications, which include current operators SJ and Veolia Transport Sweden AB, is newcomer MTR Express.
MTR Express is planning to run 110 trains a week along a 455-kilometre route between Gothenburg and Stockholm, with the first commercial service to launch in March 2015.
Stadler is currently building six new FLIRT trainsets for the new operator at its site in Bussnang, Switzerland – the first of which will begin testing in Sweden in the autumn.
MTR Express has said it will soon start recruiting for train drivers and onboard staff.
Trafiverket is due to publish a draft timetable on July 7.
Image licensed under Creative Commons
It’s Trafikverket*