Traffic Package 1 is due to begin on December 15 2019 and encompasses long-distance and regional services on the Oslo - Kristiansand - Stavanger Sørlandet Line, together with the branch to Arendal.
Four morning inter-city services with a shorter journey time will be introduced on the Oslo - Kristiansand and Kristiansand - Stavanger routes, along with a two-hourly frequency between Oslo Central and Stavanger.
Go-ahead will also offer a “Plus” premium class, with more spacious seats and a higher level of comfort.
On the Jærbanen, Go-Ahead will offer more departures on weekends, new arrivals in the morning to Stavanger, and improved interchange with commuter trains in Rogaland.
“We will focus on a more varied range of services, such as a weekend offer at a lower price, upgraded and fresh trains with a new design, better information for our customers in close cooperation with Entur, and a seamless travel experience,” says Go-Ahead Nordic CEO, Mr Magnus Hedin.
The directorate said Swedish national train operator SJ had submitted a formal complaint regarding the awarding of the contract to Go-Ahead Nordic, but added that the complaint was not sufficient grounds to delay the contract signing. The complaint is currently being processed, with a conclusion expected within 14 days.
