Swedish Railways SJ must now immobilise 50% of train capacity. The measure came into force on Sunday 14 February. And it will apply until Monday 31 May (inclusive). It concerns all journeys over 150 km.
However, this decision does not affect trains whose tickets have already been purchased. Until there is natural regulation, it is therefore likely that we will see up to at the beginning of March, full trains with a tonnage greater than 50%.
However, compliance with the 50% standard will be better controlled on board the network's high-speed trains. On these trains, booking is, if not compulsory, at least recommended. Passengers can select their seat on the company's website. On night trains, passengers can only book private compartments.
SJ reduces the fare difference between flexible and non-exchangeable tickets
The situation is a little more complex on regional trains where seat reservations are not available. To better assist passengers on these regional trains, in January 2021 SJ launched a new function in their timetables. Train departures during rush hour are now indicated in yellow. Passengers can then opt for a different timetable where the capacity on board the train is less likely to be overloaded.
Travellers in the lowest fare classes are generally unable to change their booking.. SJ is not changing this rule and recommends that users use interchangeable tickets.
However, the rail company is temporarily reducing the price difference between non-exchangeable tickets and those offering greater flexibility.. The price difference is temporarily set at a maximum of SEK 30 (€2.98) compared with the non-exchangeable ticket.
Other measures include, masks must now be worn on trains and in stations during rush hour (7am-9am and 4pm-6pm). Masks are on sale at newsagents (Pressbyran) and last-minute shops. They cannot be purchased on board trains. Drinking in the bar carriages has also been maintained. But people can no longer take their purchases with them.
And finally.., SJ reports that train services to Denmark have been completely disrupted. Trains now stop at Malmö. As a result, access to Copenhagen airport from the south of Sweden has been closed.. Traffic is also suspended with Norway.
