The Norwegian Ministry of Transport has announced the planned merger of Vy and Flytoget, with Flytoget AS set to become a subsidiary of Vygruppen AS effective January 1, 2025.
The integration is designed to address increasing rail capacity demands in Eastern Norway, driven by urban growth and rising passenger numbers. Vy has reported over 40% passenger growth in the region over the past decade and anticipates an additional 20-30% increase in the next ten years. Without additional train services, this growth is expected to lead to increased road traffic.
As part of the merger, Flytoget’s routes will become an integral part of Vy's network, leading to a revised route model that is intended to offer enhanced service options. Key proposed changes include an increase in departures from Drammen to Oslo, rising from five to eight trains per hour. Departures from Lillestrøm to Oslo will nearly double, with up to 14 trains during peak hours. The service frequency from Drammen to Oslo Airport will be adjusted to provide a more consistent schedule, and the number of departures from Lillestrøm to the airport will also increase.
While the merger will not immediately alter Flytoget's current operations, which will continue unchanged until the integration is complete, it is expected to facilitate a more unified approach to train services in the region. Both companies will retain their distinct identities until the full transition is implemented.
This merger is positioned as a response to the challenges posed by future competition from larger foreign train companies, aiming to create a more cohesive rail network that meets the evolving needs of passengers in eastern Norway.
