About the Situation in Traffic Package South

We observe that the Traffic Package South during the winter of 2025–2026 has been characterized by extensive operational disruptions, numerous cancellations, and a reduced service offering for passengers. Go-Ahead, which also performs its own maintenance, has explained the situation as due to a lack of operational trains in service, citing technical failures, maintenance backlog, and a shortage of spare parts. For an extended period, Go-Ahead has communicated a narrative giving the impression that the current situation largely stems from circumstances prior to their takeover of the train maintenance. This is a depiction of reality we consider to be incorrect, and we therefore find it necessary to clarify the actual circumstances.  

Traffic Package South

Mantena was responsible for the maintenance of the trains in Traffic Package South until 31 May 2025. Traffic Package South covers passenger transport on the Sørlandet Line, the Jæren Line, and the Arendal Line, and is one of the most demanding train operations in Norway. Particularly, the Sørlandet Line is characterized by long stretches, a comprehensive service schedule, and the use of type 73 rolling stock, which is an older and technically complex train type. This type of train requires a high supply of spare parts and close follow-up to ensure stable operations. At the same time, the reserve capacity within the train fleet is limited, making the operation vulnerable to technical failures or the loss of rolling stock. Throughout the contract period, Mantena has been transparent that the contract was demanding and resource-intensive, resulting in significant financial losses for Mantena. This was also the reason Mantena chose to terminate the contract in spring 2024, after which, on 1 June 2025, the operator Go-Ahead took over the maintenance responsibility themselves.

Spare Parts Situation and Maintenance Backlog

Go-Ahead has been the operator and responsible for the daily operations on Traffic Package South for several years, including during the period when Mantena held the maintenance responsibility. As operator, they ran the trains daily and had the overall responsibility for ensuring the equipment was safe to use. This has given ongoing insight into technical condition, error developments, and availability – also prior to 1 June 2025.

While Mantena was responsible for maintenance, it was repeatedly emphasized that the type 73 fleet on the Sørlandet Line requires a high level of spare parts availability, significant effort, and close follow-up to maintain a demanding service program. Access to critical components with long delivery times is a prerequisite for stable operation.

Upon taking over on 1 June 2025, Go-Ahead announced that they would implement a new “maintenance concept.” At the same time, the actual spare parts inventory they chose to maintain in Stavanger was only a fraction of that which had been built up over several years under Mantena’s contract. Mantena’s inventory in Stavanger consisted of over 4,256 unique items and over 60,000 units. This included components with long delivery times and parts that are critical for the older and technically complex type 73 trains. Go-Ahead was offered the opportunity to take over the entire inventory, but they chose to purchase a limited portion (187 spare part items). When spare parts readiness is significantly reduced for an older and technically complex train type, this will inevitably impact the ability to handle faults and perform preventative maintenance.

Documentation

When Mantena terminated the contract in May 2024, Go-Ahead had 12 months to prepare for the takeover of maintenance responsibility. From Mantena’s side, the conclusion was carried out in line with good industry practice and applicable regulations. This included a planned and structured transfer of relevant technical documentation, status of rolling stock, and ongoing matters related to the trains.

The issue of documentation was later brought before the court by Go-Ahead, which, among other things, argued that sufficient information was not provided at the time of takeover. However, the case was withdrawn by Go-Ahead themselves before the court ruled on the substance. Norske tog AS, the owner of the trains, has repeatedly emphasized that relevant rolling stock and maintenance documentation is managed in their systems, and that both parties have access to the exact same source information. The court also decided that Go-Ahead should cover Mantena’s legal costs.

The Way Forward

The most important thing for everyone is to once again have a stable and predictable service for passengers on the Sørlandet Line, Arendal Line, and Jæren Line. This requires clear responsibility, correct prioritization, and sufficient resources. Achieving this necessitates that the debate is based on verifiable facts and a clear understanding of responsibilities and the actual causes of operational disruptions. 

Mantena believes that time should now be spent on ensuring necessary measures for better availability and higher regularity—not on creating an impression that today’s challenges are due to circumstances far back in time. If the service is to be improved, efforts must be directed toward those actions that actually impact operations and maintenance today and going forward.