- The European Investment Bank and regional transport leasing company AB Transitio have signed a SEK 480 million loan agreement to buy new regional trains.
- The financing will support the acquisition of 12 new double-decker electric multiple units to provide regional services with Mälardalstrafik MÄLAB AB in the Stockholm-Mälaren region.
- New trains will replace ageing rolling stock and are expected to improve service reliability, comfort and flexibility, and provide capacity to serve increasing demand.
Train passengers in the Stockholm-Mälaren region can look forward to more comfortable, reliable and attractive rail services in the near future. AB Transitio, the company that acquires trains for leasing to Swedish regional transport services, has signed a SEK 480 million loan to support the acquisition of 12 new train sets to be used in the Stockholm-Mälaren region.
Transitio will own the 12 new double-decker electric multiple units (EMUs), which will be operated by Mälardalstrafik MÄLAB AB on regional lines surrounding Sweden’s capital. The financing for the new trains is expected to help promote sustainable transport for commuters and residents, providing an incentive to shift away from road traffic.
EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros said: “As the EU climate bank, the EIB is investing heavily in alternative modes of transport to give people an incentive to leave their cars at home as much as possible. Sweden is already a leading country when it comes to the production of renewable energy, and focusing on more decarbonised transport is a logical next step.”
CEO of Transitio Magnus von Bahr said: “The acquisition of an additional 12 double-decker trains will further increase the capacity for regional services in the Stockholm-Mälaren region and support the mission of increasing travel by train.”
Apart from the environmental benefits in terms of energy performance and the shift away from road traffic, the acquisition of the new EMU train sets will also lead to lower operation and maintenance costs for the operator. In addition, after a dip in passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of users is expected to rise again following the trend seen between 2017 and 2019, providing good reasons for increased train capacity.
Background information:
In 2020, the EIB made available in excess of €2 billion for Swedish projects. The EIB borrows money on the capital markets and lends it to projects that support EU objectives, with about 90% of all loans being granted within the European Union.
AB Transitio acquires, finances and administers trains for Swedish public transport associations, which jointly own Transitio through part ownership. Transitio primarily leases rolling stock to these regional public transport associations and/or their operators.