Streiken sikrer bedre punktlighet

September saw a significant improvement in rail punctuality, with the percentage rising to 86.9 percent, a substantial increase from 81.7 percent the previous month. The ongoing strike by transport workers appears to be a key factor in this positive trend, as it has led to train suspensions on the busiest routes. According to Roger Wold, head of punctuality and analysis at Bane NOR, the latter part of the past week has seen better punctuality, both due to relatively good infrastructure conditions and the suspension of trains on the most congested routes due to the strike.

The strike is expected to resume for the first time on Monday. Wold explains that there is a challenging balance between running as many trains as possible and achieving a punctuality of 90 percent, which is the common goal for the rail sector. The first week of September was, however, marred by technical issues and reduced speed for safety reasons.

Wold points out that the situation is extremely tight during peak hours, as even small delays on a single track between Oslo S and Nationaltheatret can have significant consequences. Bane NOR reports "good news for on-time trains" in their press release. So far this year, punctuality stands at 76.9 percent, compared to 74.1 percent in the same period last year.