a big grey train car is standing to the right in an exhibition hall — Photo: Daniel Bernstål/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

Threats to the Railway

Competition with other modes of transport, environmental scandals involving the railway, accidents and safety – threats to the railway increase in the 1960s.

two people are standing next to a big train car that was used to snowplow — Photo: Lovisa Brämming/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

The railway for all the people?

In the early 1960s, the decision is made that each mode of transport must be financially self-sustaining. Profitability requirements for the railway become stricter, and with the increase in car use, something has got to give at SJ. Unprofitable railways are replaced with buses. The reduction of the railway network, which began back when Sweden’s individual railways were nationalised, continues.

SJ, which is really just doing its job, is the target of protests. SJ is supposed to be the railway for all of Sweden! Many question whether the expression “The railway for all the people” is nothing more than a myth.

SJ is subjected to further protests in connection with the weed control trains that rolled along spraying Hormoslyr weed killer on the railway embankments.