From 15 June 2026, the independent rail operator Snälltåget will introduce a brand-new direct daytime service connecting Oslo in Norway with Gothenburg and Malmö in Sweden. 

The new connection will be operated commercially, on an Open Access basis, showing how independent operators can enrich Europe’s rail network with additional cross-border services that do not burden the taxpayer.

By contrast, the same Oslo-Malmö connection offered by the Norwegian state-owned operator Vy uses rolling stock from its contract with the Norwegian state and also receives taxpayer subsidy in Norway. In the European single market, how is this justified?

ALLRAIL warmly welcomes Snälltåget’s new service. Our team member Eoin Rollins says: “This is a great initiative by Snälltåget – and clear proof that independent operators can bring lower fares and more choice in cross-border rail – while reducing the burden on the taxpayer.”