[New Year's Treat] Sweden's X2000: The Cheapo Way to Build High-Speed Rail
A little treat in these dark winter times
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everyone!
As a little treat before we welcome the new year, I want to introduce a train from my beloved home country, the legendary X2000!
Sweden is a massive country for its population of only 10 million. For example the railway loving nation of Japan, with a population of around 126 million, is only 83% the size of Sweden!
With such big swaths of land to connect major destinations, it makes sense that Sweden has not yet sunk the money necessary to build a proper High-Speed Rail (HSR).
For now, there are only lose plans to build an HSR in the future, and a political deadlock has led to funding for railway improvements being put on hold.
Even so, Swedes are very found of their trains. The country actually has the 6th highest usage of rail transport compared to cars, busses and planes in the world (source HERE).
Sweden has also committed to become carbon neutral by 2045; a commitment that requires a big switch of traveling patterns from cars and planes to trains and busses. If that is to happen, many estimate that Sweden needs a high-speed rail network.
Sweden actually already has somewhat of a High-Speed Rail. In the early 90s, the country invested heavily in quasi high-speed trains, the X 2000 series, and these trains have done an incredible job!
The X2000 can travel at a speed of around 200km/h (minimum speed required for HSR) on regular train tracks thanks to an advanced train car tilting mechanism. The trains have been so reliable that most of today’s rolling stock is from 1989-1999.
As you might expect, many of the X2000 trains have become a bit shabby over the years, and of some trains and tracks are in such bad shape that the average travelling speed had to be lowered.
So, when you need to increase train ridership and there’s not enough money to make a real HSR, what do you do?
You beef up the existing HSR system! In 2016, the Swedish government’s railway arm, also known as SJ, spent USD $100m to refurbish the interiors of 44 X2000 trains, and this year they are finally rolling out!
The seating capacity has been increased by 15%, with the seats able to be adjusted electronically, while the carpets, interior paneling, and luggage racks have also been replaced.
Award Winning Luxury
Not only did SJ increase the X2000 capacity and functionality, but the interior is now swankier than most luxury cars! In fact, the new X2000 won the Reddot design award in 2020 for its impeccable interior design.
The train cars have been equipped with modern lighting, more functional toilets and wheelchair spaces.
The trainset also has 5G-based Wi-Fi systems and the windows are made with radiolucent glass that allows phone signals to pass through easier.
A 5-star Bistro
Last but not least, the train bistro has had an beautiful overhaul. The bistro is now clad by Swedish designed sofas and all dishes served are created with locally sourced ingredients.
There’s even a dedicated pizza oven for a taste of the famous Swedish style pizza!
So, a USD $100m might sound like a lot of money for not even building a new railway, but I think it is an insanely good investment
These trains will now deliver a ride more comfortable than most high-speed rails and the long journey times are easily offset by the hyper deluxe experience.
In the UK, the government has just approved a USD $120BN high-speed railway project that covers less distance than the existing X2000 network. Even though the speed of these trains is high enough to rival planes, the costs are so astronomical that people are turning against the whole project.
So, for less than 0.1% of the cost of the UK HSR, the Swedish railway company has create a state-of-the-art train ridership experience.
Of course you cannot compare an improved interior to building a completely new rail network.
However, at the end of the day success is measured by ridership numbers, and in that case, this Swedish railway investment looks fare more attractive!