SWEDEN BOOSTS RAIL FREIGHT SUPPORT THROUGH TAC COMPENSATION
The Swedish Government has proposed a significant increase in support for rail freight as part of its autumn budget. The so-called special environmental compensation will rise by SEK 330 million (approximately €30 million), reaching a total of SEK 885 million (around €80 million) annually. The measure is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of rail freight.
The increase comes against a 40% rise in track access charges (TAC) between 2024 and 2025, which has been a major concern for the sector as they represent a considerable cost burden for operators. According to the Swedish rail freight association, financial support is crucial to prevent a reverse modal shift to road transport. However, the organisation stresses that a more sustainable solution would be to reduce TACs directly, rather than compensating through subsidies.
The sector has also called for a review of TAC calculation methods by the Swedish Transport Administration, highlighting the need for charges to more accurately reflect actual infrastructure wear and tear. In addition, it was noted that operators currently pay TACs for diversion routes when their planned train paths are unavailable, a practice considered unfair by the industry.
Source: Railfreight.com