SJ is the train operator on Mälardalstrafik's sections Svealandsbanan, Nyköpingsbanan, Sörmlandspilen and Uven until December when the transport company MTR takes over.

One month ago, SJ announced that it intended to stop running the Mälar trains earlier due to losses of half a billion kronor caused by reduced travel during the corona pandemic.

But now SJ and Mälardalstrafiken, which are owned by several regions - including Sörmland, have renegotiated the agreement.

- It is a package solution where SJ receives compensation to operate train traffic for the remaining three months and we take increased responsibility for the revenue side, says Monica Johansson (S), chairman of the regional board and vice chairman of Mälardalstrafiken.

It is unclear what the solution will cost the Sörmland region

Previously, SJ only received compensation from ticket sales, but now the regions go in and replace SJ regardless of whether train travel increases or not.

The new agreement, which will take effect on 12 September, is ready, but it has not yet been decided how the regions that own Mälardlastrafiken will distribute the costs.

- It is clear that it will cost a penny but it depends on how many tickets will be sold. For us, it has been very important to take responsibility for our travelers and I can say that it is a completely reasonable solution. It feels great that we got it ashore, says Monica Johansson.