Update on the train traffic in Eastern Norway October 2024

Several trains have left the workshop in recent weeks, and we hope customers will notice that it is less crowded on board the train.

We are working in several areas to continue the positive development, especially regarding the upcoming winter and the challenges it brings.

Improvements to the dark green and gray trains

Most of the trains that Vy runs are modern Flirt trains that serve large parts of Eastern Norway. Although these are the most modern trains we run, we have still had many challenges with them this year.

There have been problems with the doors which meant that all the trains had to go in for modifications, and there have been challenges with the conversion to the new ERTMS signaling system. This led to us only running about 40% of the departures for a longer period, with fewer carriages and seats than planned.

Now many of the problems with these trains have been solved, thanks in large part to the fact that staffing at the workshops has been increased significantly. We also have five train sets back from the workshop – they were taken out of service due to the risk of a serious fault. After thorough investigations and analyses, no safety-critical errors were found and these are now running again.

In recent weeks, we have therefore had more departures with the correct number of train sets, but it is regrettable that around 5–10% of all departures in Eastern Norway (incl. local trains) run with fewer carriages and seats than planned.

Lifetime challenges for local trains

Trains also experience age-related problems. The older the trains get, the more maintenance it needs.

Our oldest trains run as local trains between Spikkestad–Lillestrøm, and Stabekk–Ski, and several thousand passengers depend on them every day.

These are routes that are important to many people and we are working to ensure that the trains work as well as possible until the new local trains arrive.

What about the winter?

With winter just around the corner, we know that many people are worried about whether the train service will cope with the cold. We are preparing with round-the-clock manning in the workshops and preventive maintenance.

All trains now go through an autumn inspection where, among other things, we make changes to them so that they can withstand the cold better.

Even with all these measures, there will still be days with fewer trains running than others.

In the event of warnings of extreme cold or large amounts of snow this winter, we will consider cancelling trains to avoid having many trains in for repairs over a longer period of time.

We believe this will provide better predictability for you as a customer, and a more stable train service in the longer term.