Residents and activists in Norrbotten, Sweden, launched protests on April 9, 2026, against the planned halving of night train services in the region. The demonstrations began in Abisko and were scheduled to continue through Umeå on Thursday, with additional protests held at railway stations in Boden, Luleå, and Älvsbyn.
According to reports from Norrländska Socialdemokraten, the protests target a decision by Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration) made at the end of the previous year. The decision will reduce night train service to only one train in each direction running between Stockholm and Narvik, effectively halving the current service.
The important thing is that it should actually work. Sweden has resources and competence to have functioning train traffic,
Julia Humbla, who participated in the Abisko protest, expressed concern about the reduction. "The important thing is that it should actually work. Sweden has resources and competence to have functioning train traffic," she said.
In Boden, approximately 30 people gathered at the railway station on Thursday evening. "We have to work to keep the train traffic," said Bertil Rensfeldt, who stood at the front with a sign. Anna-Greta Fahlgren Rensfeldt added, "We're going to dig in our heels and say that now is enough."
We have to work to keep the train traffic,
The night train reduction is scheduled to take effect from Monday, April 13, 2026. Protest organizers argue that the northern counties need reliable night train connections and that passenger demand exists to support the current service levels.
We're going to dig in our heels and say that now is enough.