View source for Arlanda Express

{{Short description|Express train running between Stockholm and Arlanda airport}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width                       = auto
| name                            = 
| color                           = 
| logo                            = Arlanda_Express_Logo.svg
| logo_width                      = 
| image                           = Stockholm central station - arlanda express - 20230916 - 2.jpg
| image_width                     = 
| caption                         = [[X3 (train)|X3]] at [[Stockholm Central Station|Stockholm Central]] in 2023
| type                            = [[Airport rail link]]
| system                          = 
| status                          = 
| locale                          = 
| start                           = [[Stockholm Central Station|Stockholm Central]]
| end                             = [[Arlanda South Station|Arlanda South]]
| stations                        = 3
| routes                          = 
| ridership2                      = 
| open                            = {{Start date|1999|11|25|df=yes}}
| close                           = 
| owner                           = 
| operator                        = A-Train AB
| character                       = 
| depot                           = 
| stock                           = [[X3 (train)|X3]]
| linelength                      = {{convert|39|km}}
| tracklength                     = 
| gauge                           = {{RailGauge|1435mm}}
| minradius                       = 
| racksystem                      = 
| routenumber                     = 
| speed                           = 
| elevation                       = 
| website                         = {{Official URL}}
| map                             = {{Arlanda Express route}}
| map_state                       = 
}}

'''Arlanda Express''' is an [[airport rail link]]  connecting [[Stockholm Central Station]] with the [[Stockholm Arlanda Airport]], located outside [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]. Operated by '''A-Train AB''', the trip takes 18 minutes and runs three to six times per hour using seven [[X3 (train)|X3]] [[electric multiple unit]]s. The services operate over the [[East Coast Line (Sweden)|East Coast]] and [[Arlanda Line]]s calling at [[Stockholm Central Station|Stockholm Central]], [[Arlanda North Station|Arlanda North]] and [[Arlanda South Station|Arlanda South]] stations. The service was used by 2.7 million passengers in 2007 and by 3.3 million passengers in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arlandaexpress.com/default.aspx?page=88&id=34|title=50 million passengers for Arlandabanan|date=25 June 2013|publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=5 October 2013}}</ref>

Planning of the airport link started in the 1980s. In 1993 the [[Government of Sweden]] issued a tender for a [[public–private partnership]] (PPP) to build the Arlanda Line. The construction of the line was subsidized with a combination of some state grants and large state loans. The successful tenderer would receive a [[monopoly]] on traffic between the airport and Stockholm until 2040. The line and the services were inaugurated on 25 November 1999. The PPP contract has since been criticized for being unclear, uneconomical for the state and leading to a low utilization of the service as ticket prices are very expensive at 340 SEK (around 30 EUR) for an adult single ticket on the very short journey.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arlandaexpress.com/tickets/tickets-prices|title=Tickets to airport train|date=29 October 2021|publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=29 October 2021}}</ref> The railroad is owned by two Australian [[pension fund]]s and partly (37.5%) by the Gingko Tree Investment Ltd,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.travelnews.se/podcast/arlanda-express-vd-magnus-zetterberg-vi-ar-inte-dyra-vi-ar-prisvarda/|title=Arlanda Express vd Magnus Zetterberg: “Vi är inte dyra, vi är prisvärda.”|date=6 December 2019|publisher=Travel News |access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arlandaexpress.com/about-us/about-atrain|title=Arlanda Express: About A-Train|access-date=29 November 2021}}</ref> a subsidiary of Chinese [[State Administration of Foreign Exchange]].<ref>{{Cite web| url = https://sites.tufts.edu/sovereignet/files/2018/06/ChinaLessGrowthMoreSWFs_Guerrero.pdf | title = China: Less Growth, More Sovereign Wealth Funds}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | last = Barrow | first = Keith | title = Australian and Chinese investors acquire Arlanda Express | work = [[International Railway Journal]] | access-date = 2014-12-02 | date = 2014-08-04 | url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/australian-and-chinese-investors-acquire-arlanda-express.html}}</ref>

==Service==
[[File:Arlanda Express dans le terminal 2.jpg|thumb|[[X3 (train)|X3]] at [[Arlanda South Station|Arlanda South]] in March 2016]]
[[File:Arlanda Express car.jpg|thumb|[[X3 (train)|X3]] train in June 2010]]
[[File:Arlanda.JPG|thumb|[[X3 (train)|X3]] train on the [[East Coast Line (Sweden)|East Coast Line]] in February 2008]]
[[File:Arlanda Express 2009b.jpg|thumb|[[X3 (train)|X3]] on the [[East Coast Line (Sweden)|East Coast Line]] in February 2009]]
[[File:X3 Stockholm Central.jpg|thumb|X3 on track 2 in Stockholm Central, June 2022.]]
The Arlanda Express connects the city center of Stockholm, at [[Stockholm Central Station|Stockholm Central]], to [[Stockholm Arlanda Airport]]. At the airport, the train serves two stations: [[Arlanda South Station|Arlanda South]], which serves terminals 2, 3 and 4, and [[Arlanda North Station|Arlanda North]], which serves terminal 5.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arlandaexpress.com/arlandaterminals.aspx |title=Arlanda terminals |publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=10 November 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101021210655/http://www.arlandaexpress.com/arlandaterminals.aspx| archive-date= 21 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> From Stockholm to [[Rosersberg]], the train follows the [[East Coast Line (Sweden)|East Coast Line]], and from there to the airport, the Arlanda Line.<ref name=history1>{{cite web |url=http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=505 |title=History |publisher=Arlandabanan Infrastructure |access-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314184806/http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=505 |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref>

The train operates from three times an hour to six times per hour during [[rush hour]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arlandaexpress.com/default.aspx?page=192|title=Timetable |publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=8 May 2016}}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, the standard price for a one-way ticket is SEK&nbsp;340, although discounts are offered for children, students, seniors, on special travel days and for return trips under certain conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arlandaexpress.com/textpage.aspx?page=71 |title=Fares |publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=8 May 2016}}</ref>
The Arlanda Express is operated by A-Train, which also built the Arlanda Line as part of a public–private partnership. The company holds an exclusive concession to operate any train service between Stockholm and the airport. In addition, the company is free to charge other train operators that use the Arlanda Line and stop at [[Arlanda Central Station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arlandaexpress.com/atrainorganisation.aspx |title=About us |publisher=Arlanda Express |access-date=10 November 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101023071851/http://www.arlandaexpress.com/atrainorganisation.aspx| archive-date= 23 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
{{Main|X3 (train)}}
The Arlanda Express is operated by seven four-car [[X3 (train)|X3]] [[electric multiple unit]]s. The units were built by [[Alstom]]'s [[Washwood Heath]] plant in 1998 and 1999.<ref>World Update ''[[Railway Age]]'' August 1995 page 64</ref> The train consists of two powered end units and two non-powered center cars. The trains have a maximum speed of 200&nbsp;km/h (125&nbsp;mph) and a maximum power output of {{convert|2240|kW}}. They are {{convert|93|m}} long and weigh {{convert|187|t}}. Each car has two doors on each side, and the train has seating for 190 passengers. There is a baggage area beside each door, seating for people with a disability and a toilet in the middle of the train. The Arlanda Express' three stations have a special platform height that allows level access to the trains from the platforms.  In 2006, the trains were renovated and received new interiors in three different color schemes, green, orange and blue, designed by the former Swedish tennis player [[Björn Borg]]'s eponymous fashion label.<ref name=tu8>{{cite web |url=http://www.xn--jrnvg-grad.net/index.php/vagnguide/motorvagnar-i-trafik/x3 |title=X2 |publisher=Järnväg.net |access-date=10 November 2010 |language=sv| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101010034824/http://www.xn--jrnvg-grad.net/index.php/vagnguide/motorvagnar-i-trafik/x3| archive-date= 10 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==History==
Plans for an airport rail link connecting the central business district of Stockholm with the airport were launched in the early 1980s. The goal was to reduce road congestion and emissions while allowing Arlanda to keep increasing passenger numbers. The [[Swedish Rail Administration]] made a specific plan in the late 1980s which involved the construction of a branch from the existing East Coast Line. This resulted in a project plan which was launched in 1990, which specifically suggested Rosersberg and Odensala as the intersections with the existing line. The political decision to build the line was taken in 1993.<ref name=history1 /> Estimates at the time projected a ridership of 5.1 million passengers per year by 2005.<ref name=tu8-2>{{cite web |url=http://www.ne.su.se/ed/pdf/30-7-ma-rb.pdf |title=Trafikutskottets betänkande 2004/05:TU8 Arlandabanan |publisher=[[Swedish National Audit Office]] |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040731044550/http://www.ne.su.se/ed/pdf/30-7-ma-rb.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2004 }}</ref>

The Swedish Rail Administration had proposed that the line was to be built with the government agency as owner and with either [[SJ AB|SJ]] or private railway companies as train operators. However, the [[Cabinet of Carl Bildt]] wanted private sector involvement in the construction and operation of the line.<ref name=vill>{{cite journal |url=http://www.ne.su.se/ed/pdf/30-7-ma-rb.pdf |title=Arlandabanan på villovägar |last1=Bengtsson |first1=Mikael |last2=Bursjö |first2=Robert |journal=Ekonomisk Debatt |year=2002 |volume=30 |issue=7 |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040731044550/http://www.ne.su.se/ed/pdf/30-7-ma-rb.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2004 }}</ref> In 1993, the Government put in place a public tender to build and operate the line. In 1994, Arlanda Link Consortium was chosen, consisting of the [[Nordic Construction Company]], {{ill|lt=SIAB|SIAB (company)|sv|Siab}}, [[Vattenfall]], [[Alstom|GEC-Alsthom]] and [[Mowlem]]. A-Banan Projekt AB was established as a [[aktiebolag|limited company]] in 1994 to oversee the project.<ref>World Update ''Railway Age'' October 1994 page 68</ref> The consortium established A-Train AB to be the project developer and then operate the Arlanda Express until 2040. The legal responsibility for the project was transferred from the consortium to A-Train in 1995. As part of the agreement, A-Train received from the Swedish Government 850 million [[Swedish krona]] (SEK) in a grant and SEK&nbsp;1 billion in a loan to help finance the project.<ref name=history1 /> The company was also allowed to operate a shuttle service from Stockholm&nbsp;C to Arlanda and charge a non-discriminating fee for all other trains using the line.<ref name=history2>{{cite web |url=http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=506 |title=History part 2 |publisher=Arlandabanan Infrastructure |access-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314184812/http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=506 |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref>

Total investment costs for the project were SEK&nbsp;6 billion, of which SEK&nbsp;2 billion was financed through state grants to the Swedish Rail Administration who built the quadruple track along the East Coast Line. The public–private partnership part of the project involved two new tracks at Stockholm&nbsp;C and the Arlanda Line, costing SEK&nbsp;4.1 billion. Of this, SEK&nbsp;2.4 billion was financed by the state. In addition, the state held a financial guarantee to [[Nordea]] for the X3 trains, should A-Train fail to meets its financial obligations to the bank. A-Train was also granted an interest-free deferral on the payment of the fees at Stockholm&nbsp;C and Arlanda, costing the state SEK&nbsp;90 million. Of A-Train's capital loan for SEK&nbsp;2.2 billion, SEK&nbsp;1.8 billion was borrowed from three state-owned financial institutions: the [[Swedish National Debt Office]], the [[Swedish Export Credit Corporation]] and the [[Nordic Investment Bank]]. In addition, 20% of the share capital was secured through Vattenfall's equity in the company.<ref name=tu8-2 />

The Arlanda Line and the Arlanda Express started operations on 25 November 1999.<ref name=open>{{cite web |url=http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=541 |title=Interesting years |publisher=Arlandabanan Infrastructure |access-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314184828/http://www.abanan.se/default.asp?PageID=541 |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref> After the construction was completed, the ownership of the infrastructure was transferred to A-Banan Projekt. However, A-Train is responsible for paying for all maintenance and operating costs of the line.<ref name=history2 /> In 2004, A-Train was bought by [[Macquarie Group]], who paid SEK&nbsp;70 million for the company, in addition to taking over debt worth SEK&nbsp;330 million.<ref name=riksrevisionen />

In 2004, the [[Swedish National Audit Office]] criticized the process of building and financing the Arlanda Line, and stated that the State had taken more financial risk than the [[Riksdag]] had been informed about. It also criticized the [[Government of Sweden|Government]] for giving additional financial support to A-Train in the form of guarantees without informing the Riksdag, and having an unclear management strategy. It also commented that the traffic forecasts during planning were incorrect.<ref name=riksrevisionen>{{cite news |url=http://www.unt.se/sigtuna/riksrevisionen-kritisk-mot-arlandatagen-628031.aspx |title=Riksrevisionen kritisk mot Arlandatågen  |date=12 January 2009 |work=[[Upsala Nya Tidning]] |last=Hellberg |first=Hanna |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv}}</ref> The original plans showed an economic benefit of SEK&nbsp;4 billion. However, because A-Train is free to set its ticket prices as it wishes, the high prices resulted in too few passengers taking the Arlanda Line for it to be of economic benefit to the Swedish community, and the line failed to maximise its economic impact through reduced road congestion and emissions.<ref name=vill />

In a motion passed by the [[Riksdag]] on the 7 October 2008, the Arlanda Line Agreement was unanimously criticized and characterized as the "worst possible agreement Arlanda could have". A-Train is free to set whatever fees its sees fit on the line, both regarding their own ticket prices on the Arlanda Express and what fees it charges other train operators. This framework had resulted in a significant rise in ticket prices and results in a low levels of public transport use for ground transportation to the airport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riksdagen.se/Webbnav/index.aspx?nid=410&typ=mot&rm=2008/09&bet=T438 |last1=Waidelich |first1=Tommy |author-link=Tommy Waidelich |last2=von Sydow |first2=Björn |author-link2=Björn von Sydow |title=Motion 2008/09:T438 Arlandabanan |publisher=The [[Riksdag]] |date=2 October 2008 |language=sv |access-date=6 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riksdagen.se/webbnav/?nid=3120&doktyp=motion&bet=2008/09:T438 |title=Motion 2008/09:T438 |publisher=The [[Riksdag]] |date=7 October 2008 |language=sv |access-date=6 November 2010}}</ref>

The Swedish State holds an option to purchase the traffic rights from A-Train in 2010{{update inline|date=June 2018}}, which would eliminate the fees and allow other operators to run directly from the airport to the city center. As of 2008, the train had a 9% market share for employees and a 25% market share for passengers traveling to the airport. Commentators and politicians have stated that the business model results in a low utilization of the line because of the high ticket prices, which has caused the airport to not reach its targeted emission goals.<ref name=anvand>{{cite news |url=https://www.dn.se/ledare/anvand-ralsen/ |title=Använd rälsen |date=18 January 2008 |work=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv}}</ref>

The CEO of A-Train, Per Thorstensson, stated that it would be a waste of tax payers' money to purchase the line in 2010, as the state would receive the line free of charge in 2040.<ref name=svagt>{{cite news |url=http://www.unt.se/sigtuna/fler-tagpassagerare-pa-arlandabanan-297034.aspx |title=Fler tågpassagerare på Arlandabanan |date=11 January 2008 |work=[[Upsala Nya Tidning]] |last=Rudström |first=Johan |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv}}</ref> Originally A-Train was required to accumulate capital of SEK&nbsp;600 million before it could pay [[dividend]]s, but this was changed to SEK&nbsp;150 million in 2008, after an agreement was made with Arlandabanan Infrastructure.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.unt.se/ekonomi/svagt-stoumld-foumlr-statlig-arlandabana-187540.aspx |title=Svagt stöd för statlig Arlandabana |date=12 January 2009 |work=[[Upsala Nya Tidning]] |last=Ström |first=Marie |access-date=6 November 2010 |language=sv}}</ref>

In 2014, Macquarie sold A-Train to [[State Super|STC Pooled Fund]], [[Sunsuper]], and the [[State Administration of Foreign Exchange]].<ref>{{Cite web | last = Barrow | first = Keith | title = Australian and Chinese investors acquire Arlanda Express | work = [[International Railway Journal]] | access-date = 2014-12-02 | date = 2014-08-04 | url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/australian-and-chinese-investors-acquire-arlanda-express.html }}</ref>


==Accidents and incidents== 

At 4:35 am on 27 May 2023, Arlanda Express train 7900 travelling from Stockholm to Arlanda with 69 people on board, including 67 passengers, derailed near the A-Train depot at Blackvreten, east of [[Märsta]].<ref>{{ Cite news | url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/stockholm/tag-har-sparat-ur-norr-om-stockholm | access-date=2023-06-04 | date=2023-05-27 | work=[[Sveriges Television]] | title=Arlanda express-tåg spårade ur norr om Stockholm }}</ref> The train was travelling at 178 km/h when a [[welding joint]] in the movable crossing of a [[Railroad switch|switch]] ruptured due to welding defects and [[Fatigue (material)|fatigue cracks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swedish Accident Investigation Authority |date=2024-06-17 |title=Derailment with Airport Express train at Blackvreten |url=https://shk.se/engelska/the-swedish-accident-investigation-authority/search-investigations/rail/2023-11-23-derailment-with-airport-express-train-at-blackvreten |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617210045/https://shk.se/engelska/the-swedish-accident-investigation-authority/search-investigations/rail/2023-11-23-derailment-with-airport-express-train-at-blackvreten |archive-date=2024-06-17 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=SHK}}</ref> The second to the fourth carriages of the train derailed and came to a stop after about 900 m. One passenger was seriously injured. Following the accident, all rail services to Arlanda Airport were suspended until repairs could be made.



==See also==
{{Portal|Trains|Sweden}}
*[[History of rail transport in Sweden]]
*[[Public transport in Stockholm]]
*[[Rail transport in Sweden]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}

{{Macquarie Group}}

{{Stockholm public transport}}
{{Urban public transport in Sweden}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Airport rail links]]
[[Category:Arlanda Line]]
[[Category:Railway companies of Sweden]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1999]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Stockholm]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:1990s establishments in Stockholm County]]