SJ stopped all X2000 train services on Monday morning after a cracked wheel was found on Sunday, according to multiple reports. The defective wheels are on 13 X2000 trains, prompting the operator to cancel all traffic between Stockholm and Göteborg, and between Malmö and Karlstad during the morning. Peter Kraméus, SJ press spokesperson, said in a press conference: "It is a very serious situation. We have stopped all X2000 traffic."
SJ inspected all X2000 trains overnight to check for similar defects, with four of the 13 trains cleared by 10:00, according to multiple reports. Kraméus stated that high-speed services are expected to resume at 14:00, though SJ also said the stop would last until lunchtime, creating a two-hour discrepancy for passengers planning travel. The company aims to complete inspections and return all trains to service as soon as possible.
It is a very serious situation. We have stopped all X2000 traffic.
To mitigate disruption, SJ will use slower trains on some routes instead of X2000, Kraméus confirmed. Other trains, including those operated by competitor VR, ran as normal, according to multiple reports. SJ said it contacted all affected passengers, but some travelers reported difficulties. According to Aftonbladet, passenger Anders Elers Ivarsson described being unable to reach SJ by phone and noted that customer service staff at Stockholm Central could not rebook group tickets. Another passenger, Inger Petersson, told Aftonbladet that SJ offered to cancel her trip without cost but not compensation for hotel costs. At Göteborg Central, few passengers were present; many had rebooked or stayed home, according to multiple reports. A Chinese tourist at Malmö C, Chenchen Zhang Justys, told Dagens Nyheter she felt abandoned after seeing a red cross on the departure board. SVT provided a list of cancelled departures.
Despite the operational setback, SJ reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, according to research. The number of passengers increased by ten percent compared to the same quarter last year, which was affected by many canceled trains and reduced travel due to vehicle shortages during and after a severe winter. Ticket revenues rose 13 percent to 1,781 million SEK from 1,573 million SEK. Supply increased and overall occupancy remained at the same level as the previous year, while the ticket price per passenger kilometer increased. Due to a milder winter and a ten-point program including expanded de-icing capacity and more spare parts in stock, the number of canceled and delayed trains was significantly lower in Q1 2025 than in Q1 2024. Larger margins in the timetable for the Western Main Line during ongoing replacement of the overhead contact line between Olskroken and Alingsås also contributed to increased punctuality. The operating result for Q1 2025 was 102 million SEK compared to -74 million SEK for the same quarter last year, and the operating margin was 3.0 percent compared to -2.8 percent. Monica Lingegård, CEO of SJ, said in a press release: "We are very satisfied with the first quarter of 2025." She added: "Our most important goal is to get more passengers. It is also important to make money; SJ is making large investments in new high-speed trains, new regional trains, refurbished X2000 trains, refurbished double-decker cars, refurbished sleeping and couchette cars, and refurbished kiosk cars." Lingegård noted that more passengers after completing their journey in Q1 2025 were willing to recommend SJ to others. She acknowledged that SJ's passengers suffer from longer travel times and more complicated journeys during weekend closures due to infrastructure work, but welcomed the investments. "Canceled and rerouted trains with longer travel times affect commercial operators like SJ very much," she said, adding that it is important for Trafikverket and its contractors to work efficiently.
We have contacted all affected passengers.
The cause of the cracked wheel remains unknown, and it is unclear whether the defect is a manufacturing issue or due to wear and tear. The total number of passengers affected by Monday's cancellations has not been confirmed, and SJ has not specified whether compensation beyond ticket refunds will be provided for stranded travelers.
It is impossible to get through on the phone. And the staff at the customer service center cannot rebook group tickets.
They offered to cancel the trip without cost, but not compensation for the hotel night.
I feel abandoned. I saw a red cross on the departure board and didn't know what to do.
We are very satisfied with the first quarter of 2025.
Our most important goal is to get more passengers.
It is also important to make money; SJ is making large investments in new high-speed trains, new regional trains, refurbished X2000 trains, refurbished double-decker cars, refurbished sleeping and couchette cars, and refurbished kiosk cars.
More passengers after completing their journey in the first quarter of 2025 were willing to recommend SJ to others.
SJ's passengers suffer from longer travel times and more complicated journeys during the many weekend closures, but SJ welcomes the extensive investments in infrastructure.
Canceled and rerouted trains with longer travel times affect commercial operators like SJ very much.
It is important that Trafikverket and its contractors work as efficiently as possible with large inputs of personnel and machinery.