VR Sverige secures Mälartåg operating contract in fifth Swedish regional win
Finnish state operator VR will operate the Mälartåg regional rail contract, marking its fifth operating agreement in Sweden since entering the market in 2022. The eight-year deal covers services carrying 15 million passengers annually on five routes west and northwest of Stockholm.
The contract, awarded by regional authority Mälardalstrafik, will run from December 2026 with an option for extension. VR Sverige outbid two competitors for the operation and maintenance of services using 62 EMUs. VR will add 13 Stadler units in 2028-29.
Market position
The Mälartåg win consolidates VR’s expansion in Sweden, where it will operate five regional contracts by end-2024. Combined with its VR Snabbtåg intercity services, the Finnish operator will become Sweden’s second-largest rail operator after state incumbent SJ, employing approximately 3,200 staff.
VR CEO Elisa Markula said the Swedish market serves as “an important place for us to grow and learn” ahead of planned domestic market liberalization in Finland. The operator entered Sweden by acquiring Arriva Sverige in July 2022.
Why it matters: VR’s rapid Swedish expansion demonstrates how Nordic state operators are building cross-border portfolios ahead of further EU market liberalization, with Sweden serving as a testing ground for operational models.
What’s next: The contract enters standstill period until 21 October, after which formal signing will follow. Current emergency operator Transdev will hand over services in December 2026.