We Need More Night Trains, Not Fewer

As a parent living in Kiruna, the recent cuts to night train services are not just an inconvenience, they are a significant blow to the quality of life and connectivity for those of us in northern Norrland. Dagens Nyheter has always been a platform for voices across Sweden, and it's crucial that our perspective from the far north is heard.

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All who are going to travel by night train north of Boden must get up before half past five to change to a seat.

The night train used to be a sanctuary, a place where the journey itself was part of the experience – a time for reflection and rest before arriving at your destination. For families like mine, it was a lifeline, allowing children to sleep soundly and travel to be a joy, not a chore. My daughter, now two years old, has known the comfort of these overnight journeys since she was a baby.

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Stop these cutbacks and instead invest in night trains to northern Norrland.

Now, the reality is starkly different. The reduction to one service per day and, most egregiously, the complete cancellation of the direct Narvik-Stockholm night train, means we are relegated to uncomfortable seat carriages with early morning changes. This is not just inconvenient; it's a step backward, particularly for those of us traveling with young children. We are being asked to sacrifice comfort and ease for efficiency that doesn't serve our needs.

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In a world and time where everything is supposed to go fast and efficiently, the night train was my place for calm and reflection. The journey where the soul caught up and the stress could run off.

We need to push back against this trend of dismantling vital infrastructure. Investing in night trains is investing in sustainable, stress-free travel and maintaining the connection between north and south. It's about preserving a way of life and ensuring that the north isn't further isolated. This is a story that resonates deeply here, where the vast distances make reliable and comfortable transport essential.

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There is now a sad trend of shutting down more and more night trains – we should do the opposite. More night trains and peaceful journeys for the people!