Both Flytoget and NSB are state-owned entities that, in practice, can wind up competing against each other for passengers as NSB wants to offer more routes to the airport at Gardermoen, but Flytoget is lobbying hard to prevent the competition.

Flytoget is controlled by the state business and trade ministry and NSB - by the state transport ministry.

In a letter to several state ministries and state railroad Jernbaneverket, Flytoget leaders claim that if NSB is allowed to run more trains to Gardermoen, the airport express train could lose nearly a third of its passengers.

NSB sees potential for boosting business of its own on the line. NSB argues that it can make the trip to Gardermoen almost as quickly as the high-speed Flytoget and at lower fares.

Flytoget accuses NSB, however, of promoting its airport service with the advantage of state subsidy. If NSB succeeds in attracting more airport passengers, it will lead to overcapacity on Flytoget and packed trains on NSB, claims Flytoget.

Source: Views and News from Norway

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