Overcrowding reported on Jærbanen railway line in Norway as ridership surges

Commuters on the Jærbanen railway line in Norway are experiencing significant overcrowding, especially during peak hours. Eirik Hovland, who travels daily from Egersund to Stavanger, reported that trains often leave passengers behind due to full capacity, creating an uncomfortable and unsafe atmosphere as people struggle to exit on time.

The demand for train services has surged, with an increase of over half a million passengers in the last six months compared to the same period last year—a 25% rise. This contrasts with Go-Ahead trains, which have not seen similar growth, while Vy reports an increase of 1 to 9% across its operations, with some lines experiencing even higher percentages.

Passengers like Mohammed Haji Miho Ye, who frequently uses the train with his wife, enjoy its convenience but acknowledge peak crowding during school and work end times. According to Go-Ahead’s customer service manager, Ole Andreas Skåland, the Jærbanen offers an excellent schedule, competitive travel times, and affordable prices.

However, the surge in ridership presents challenges. In a survey conducted in a Facebook group dedicated to Jærbanen commuters, 71% of the 245 respondents identified capacity as the primary issue. Hovland emphasized the need for increased investment in infrastructure to match passenger growth. He commended Go-Ahead’s efforts to improve the situation, noting their initiative to request additional trains—a request that was denied by the railway directorate.

With the surge in train usage, the pressure is on operators to expand capacity and ensure a safe and pleasant commuting experience for all.