The absence of a cohesive vision and clear, centralized responsibility in the Norwegian railroad system leads to inefficiencies, reduced accountability, and a poorer experience for passengers. Each organization works within its own bubble, often neglecting the broader needs of the railway as a public good and a vital part of Norway’s transport infrastructure. In this post I want to further explore the issues with this way of organizing the railroad.

Fractured Responsibilities

One of the most pressing real-life problems with privatized or market-oriented railway systems is the emergence of fractured responsibilities. In Norway, as in many countries that have introduced reforms or competition into their rail sectors, the division of tasks among multiple actors has often led to a lack of cohesive vision for the railways as a whole.

Under the current Norwegian railway structure, responsibilities are split between several organizations: the Ministry of Transport, the Norwegian Railway Directorate, Bane NOR (infrastructure), and multiple train operators such as Vy, GoAhead, and SJ Nord. Each entity is tasked with specific duties—infrastructure management, service procurement, ticketing, and operations—but there is no single actor that ensures overall responsibility for the railway system or its integration with other modes of transport.

Working in Silos

This division means that each organization tends to focus narrowly on its own mandate. Infrastructure managers are primarily concerned with track maintenance and safety, operators concentrate on running trains efficiently, and public authorities focus on regulation and procurement. As a result, no one is fully accountable for the customer experience or for the long-term development of the railway as an integrated transport solution.

The Vacuum of Accountability

The lack of a unified vision leads to a “vacuum of accountability.” When delays or disruptions occur—as they increasingly do due to worn-out infrastructure or capacity constraints—each party points to the limitations of their own role. For example, Bane NOR may cite technical or maintenance issues, while operators blame infrastructure limitations, and regulators note the complexity of coordination. Passengers, meanwhile, are left without a clear point of contact or recourse

Written with AI assistance