After six years of maintaining the trains in Traffic Package 1 (TP1), Mantena will complete its assignment on the Sørlandet Line. The last working day is May 31, 2025. From June 1, Go-Ahead will take over all maintenance activities itself.
Mantena has been responsible for train maintenance on the Sørlandet Line since the launch of Traffic Package 1 in December 2019. Traffic Package 1 was established as part of the railway reform, and includes train services between Oslo and Stavanger, including the Jæren Line, as well as the Arendal Line.
– It has been six years filled with hard work and great effort. The trains in TP1 have proven to be demanding to maintain, and the traffic operates on one of the country’s most challenging routes. I would especially like to commend our employees for their efforts to ensure operations, day after day, says Arne Roland, CEO of Mantena.
Throughout the entire period, Mantena has delivered far beyond what the contract required, and has kept the trains running under challenging conditions. A combination of a demanding infrastructure, system failures on the train type, and lack of train rotation has made maintenance significantly more extensive than anticipated.
– It became clear early on that the maintenance requirements were far higher than what the tender basis assumed. This has caused Mantena substantial financial losses over several years. We have attempted to find solutions, but have not succeeded. Therefore, last year, we chose to terminate the agreement in accordance with the contract’s provisions and with 12 months’ notice, says Roland.
Over the past 12 months, Mantena has worked to ensure as professional and responsible a handover as possible. Mantena has worked to reduce the risk associated with the change of provider and has maintained close and constructive dialogue with union representatives, employees, and authorities throughout the entire process. In collaboration with Go-Ahead, the transfer of staff in Stavanger to Go-Ahead Maintenance Norway (GAM) is being implemented as a business transfer.
– We have done everything we can to facilitate a good transition and thank everyone involved, and especially employees and union representatives, for the cooperation during the final phase, says Roland.
From June 1, Go-Ahead itself is responsible for train maintenance on the Sørlandet Line and for providing enough trains in operation each day. Go-Ahead Maintenance Norway has chosen a different model for operations and inventory management. We are following the development in the traffic package and the new maintenance concept with interest. The most important thing now is that travelers on the Sørlandet Line, including the Jæren Line and the Arendal Line, receive the best possible train service.
Although this contract now concludes, Mantena will continue its work as one of the leading maintenance operators in the Nordic region. Our commitment to quality, safety, and proper maintenance remains firm, and we look forward to meeting future challenges in a changing railway sector.