DistantNews
Support us
Go-Ahead to Exit Norwegian Rail Market by 2027
🇳🇴 Norway /Economy & Trade

Go-Ahead to Exit Norwegian Rail Market by 2027

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • British train operator Go-Ahead is withdrawing from Norway.
  • The company cites criticism of the government's railway policies and operational difficulties.
  • Go-Ahead's current contracts, which began in 2019, expire in December 2027, after which Vy will take over.

British train operator Go-Ahead announced its withdrawal from Norway, signaling the end of its operations in the country by the end of 2027. The company, which began operating the Sørlandsbanen, Arendalsbanen, and Jærbanen lines in December 2019, stated it has no future plans in Norway and is planning a "quiet and seamless exit." Patrick Verwer, Go-Ahead's international rail CEO, expressed criticism of Norway's railway policies, deeming it "very difficult to operate in today's Norwegian market." He indicated that even an offer to extend their current contract would likely be declined due to these challenges. Go-Ahead was the first foreign operator on Norwegian train routes following the 2017 railway reform. However, the Norwegian government decided in autumn 2024 to reassign the Sørlandsbanen, Jærbanen, and Arendalsbanen lines to Vy, the incumbent state-owned operator, without a new bidding process. Vy is scheduled to take over these regional and local services from December 2027.

We have no plans in Norway after 2027. Now we are planning for a quiet and seamless exit.

— Patrick VerwerThe CEO of Go-Ahead's international rail division, explaining the company's decision to withdraw from the Norwegian market.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog