VR Group, which entered the Swedish market in 2022, and now aims to broaden its services from regional to long-distance passenger traffic. Following regional services of Tåg i Bergslagen and X-trafik, VR will now also start operating intercity services between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
MTR Express, known for connecting the two largest Swedish cities with 18 daily departures and holding a 30% market share on this route, has been a player in the Swedish rail scene since 2015. The services are provided with a fleet of six Stadler FLIRT trainsets. Post-acquisition, MTR Express will be integrated into VR’s long-distance operations.
VR's acquisition is part of its strategy for growth and competitiveness, not just in Sweden but also as a preparation for the increasing competition in Finland’s railway sector. Sweden's rail market serves as an ideal environment for VR to gain valuable experience. This deal also follows VR's previous expansion in Sweden through the acquisition of Arriva Sverige Ab in 2022, signalling VR’s continued interest in strengthening its presence in the Swedish rail market, which includes regional, tram, and bus services in addition to trains.
On the other side, MTR Nordic regards the sale as a strategic move aligned with its business goals, aiming to continue the positive trajectory of MTR Express under VR’s ownership, which will be taken over from Hong Kong-based MTR Corporation.
