:Jæren Commuter Rail

{{Infobox Public transit

|name = Jæren Commuter Rail

|image = Sandnes stasjon.jpg

|imagesize = 300px

|locale = Jæren, Norway

|transit_type = Commuter rail

|began_operation = 1 January 1992 (first section opened on 1 March 1878)

|ended_operation =

|system_length = {{convert|75|km|abbr=on}}

|lines = 1

|vehicles = 12 Class 72

|stations = 19

|ridership =

|track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg}}

|reporting marks =

|operator = Go-Ahead

|owner = Norwegian Railway Directorate

|map = {{Jæren Commuter Rail map}}

}}

The Jæren Commuter Rail ({{langx|no|Jærbanen}}) is a commuter train service operated along the westernmost part of the Sørland Line in Jæren, Norway. It is operated by Go-Ahead Norge with nine Class 72 electric multiple units. The service acts as a commuter rail connecting Stavanger to its suburbs, including Sandnes, and to towns further south, in Klepp, Time, Hå and Eigersund. Although passenger services have operated along the lines since 1878, the commuter train service was inaugurated in 1992 with a significant increase of service, using existing rolling stock. Ridership of the system increased from 3.2 million in 2012 to 5 million in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.banenor.no/Nyheter/Nyhetsarkiv/2020/eventyrlig-passasjervekst-pa-jernbanen/|title=Eventyrlig passasjervekst på jernbanen|website=banenor.no|date=29 July 2020|access-date=24 December 2021}}

The service runs from Stavanger Station to Egersund Station, a distance of {{convert|75|km|sp=us}}. It has four hourly services from Stavanger to Sandnes Station, of which two continue to Nærbø Station and one to Egersund. The section from Stavanger to Sandnes is double track, while the rest is single track. The infrastructure is owned by the Norwegian National Rail Administration and the line is also used by intercity and freight trains. Several proposed upgrades to the system have been made, such as a branch along the Ålgård Line, a branch to Stavanger Airport, Sola and reestablishing double track from Sandnes to Egersund.

Route

File:Gausel holdeplass.JPG is one of the three new stations that opened in 2009]]

The commuter rail service runs along the full length of the Jæren Line, the old name of the section of the Sørland Line from Stavanger to Egersund. The line is standard gauge, electrified at {{15 kV AC}} and owned by the Norwegian National Rail Administration. The line starts as double track at Stavanger Station, which is located in the central business district of Stavanger and is the terminal station of the Sørland Line. The station is manned, serves intercity trains and is 10 minutes from the city's ferry terminal.{{cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/stations_st/stavanger-station-article25893-2772.html |title=Stavanger |publisher=NSB |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Stavanger/ |title=Stavanger |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328211546/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Stavanger/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Paradis Station is {{convert|1.4|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and serves the residential areas of Storhaug and Våland. Around the station there will be established new office real estate. The station is within walking distance of Stavanger University Hospital and Godalen Upper Secondary School, and is adjacent to the offices of the County Governor.{{cite news |url=http://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/1111201/%7Barticle.url%7D |title=Slik blir dobbeltsporet |last=Olsen |first=Knut Gjerset |date=13 November 2009 |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201025720/http://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/1111201/%7Barticle.url%7D |archive-date=1 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-P-/Paradis/ |title=Paradis |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010}}

Mariero Station is {{convert|4.1|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and serves a mixed residential and commercial area, including Hetland Upper Secondary School.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-M-/Mariero/ |title=Mariero |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328210648/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-M-/Mariero/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Jåttåvågen Station serves a new neighborhood and is within a minutes walk of Viking Stadion, the home ground of Eliteserien side Viking FK, Jåttå Upper Secondary School and the future offices of Aker Solutions.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-J-/Jattavagen/ |title=Jåttåvågen |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328205425/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-J-/Jattavagen/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Gausel Station is located from {{convert|9|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and serves a mixed commercial and residential area. In addition to being next to the offices of NOKAS, the station is the main interchange with buses towards Forus, which contains the offices of companies such as Statoil, Telenor and BP, and Stavanger Airport, Sola.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-G-/Gausel/ |title=Gausel |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328210136/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-G-/Gausel/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}

File:Ganddal stasjon2.jpg]]

Sandnes Station (previously [Sandnes Sentrum Station], "Sandnes Center") is the first station located within Sandnes, and is located on a viaduct above the city center. Located {{convert|14.8|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger, it is also served by intercity trains and staffed.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sandnes/ |title=Sandnes |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808062828/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sandnes// |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead }} The station is the southern end of the double track.{{cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/1679/To_spor_Sandnes_-__1619932a.pdf |title=To spor Sandnes – Stavanger |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |date=October 2006 |language=no |access-date=7 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806034955/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/1679/To_spor_Sandnes_-__1619932a.pdf |archive-date= 6 August 2012 |url-status=dead }} Skeiane Station (previously [Sandnes station]) is {{convert|15.4|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and is located slightly south of city center of Sandnes.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sandnes-gamle/ |title=Sandnes |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328211057/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sandnes-gamle/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/stations_st/sandnes-station-article26550-2772.html |title=Sandnes |publisher=NSB |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010}} Some of the commuter trains terminate at Sandnes. Ganddal Station is {{convert|18.5|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and serves the mixed residential and industrial area of Ganddal. The Ålgård Line branches off at the station.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-G-/Ganddal/ |title=Ganddal |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815154910/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-G-/Ganddal/ |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.snl.no/Ganddal |title=Ganddal |work=Store Norske Leksikon |access-date=8 November 2010}}

Øksnevadporten Station is the first in Klepp and is located {{convert|22.4|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-O-1/Oksnavadporten/ |title=Øksnevadporten |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328205123/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-O-1/Oksnavadporten/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Klepp Station is located {{convert|24.8|km}} from Stavanger and serves the municipal center of Klepp.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-K-/Klepp/ |title=Klepp |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328205115/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-K-/Klepp/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Bryne Station is the only station in Time and located at Bryne, {{convert|29.8|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger. The station is staffed and also serves intercity trains.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-B-/Bryne/ |title=Bryne |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815124248/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-B-/Bryne/ |url-status=dead }}

Nærbø Station is the first station in Hå and serves the municipal center of Nærbø.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-N-/Narbo/ |title=Nærbø |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815172233/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-N-/Narbo/ |url-status=dead }} Some commuter trains terminate at Nærbø. Varhaug Station is located {{convert|43.1|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger,{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-N-/Narbo/ |title=Varhaug |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815172233/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-N-/Narbo/ |url-status=dead }} while Vigrestad Station is located {{convert|40.2|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-V-/Vigrestad/ |title=Vigrestad |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819193231/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-V-/Vigrestad/ |url-status=dead }} Brusand Station serves the residential area of Brusand and is located {{convert|54.2|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-B-// |title=Brusand |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819193450/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-B-// |url-status=dead }} Ogna Station serves the residential area of Ogna and is located {{convert|58.4|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-O-/Ogna/ |title=Ogna |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328205852/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-O-/Ogna/ |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Sirevåg Station is located {{convert|60.4|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger and serves the fishing village of Sirevåg.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sirevag/ |title=Sirevåg |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815161620/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-S-/Sirevag/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://snl.no/Sirev%C3%A5g |title=Sirevåg |work=Store Norske Leksikon |access-date=8 November 2010}}

Hellvik Station is the first station in Eigersund and located {{convert|66.8|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-H-/Hellvik/ |title=Hellvik |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815114612/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-H-/Hellvik/ |url-status=dead }} Egersund Station is the terminal station of the line, and all remaining commuter trains stop there. The station is staffed and also served by intercity trains, and has correspondence with buses. The station located {{convert|74.7|km|sp=us}} from Stavanger is about 10 minutes north of the city center of Egersund.{{cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-E-/Egersund/ |title=Egersund |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815144320/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Jernbanen/Stasjonssok/-E-/Egersund/ |archive-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Service

File:Btd viking stadion lr.jpg is located a minute's walk from Viking Stadion]]

The operating deficits are covered through subsidies by the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications.{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/dep/sd/tema/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport/kjop-av-persontransporttjenester.html?id=449035 |title=Kjøp av persontransporttjeneter |publisher=Government.no |language=no |access-date=27 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010165146/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/tema/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport/kjop-av-persontransporttjenester.html?id=449035 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url-status=dead }} The trackage and other infrastructure is owned by the government agency Bane NOR (Railway Infrastructure Company),{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/tema/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport.html?id=1391 |title=Jernbane og jernbanetransport |publisher=Government.no |language=no |access-date=27 December 2009}} while the rolling stock is owned and operated by Go-Ahead Nordic and CargoNet. The service between Stavanger and Sandnes operate with a fixed schedule every 15 minutes. Of the trains to Sandnes, half continue onwards to Nærbø, giving a 30-minute headway. One train per hour operate all the way to Egersund. On weekends and late evenings, there is a reduced service. Travel time from Stavanger to Sandnes is 19 minutes, from Stavanger to Nærbø is 37 minutes, and from Stavanger to Egersund is 1 hour and 7 minutes.{{cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/Bilder/Rutetabeller/PDF-059-Stavanger-Egersund-16-08_11-12-10-stor%282%29.pdf |title=Egersund–Stavanger S |publisher=NSB |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010}}

Rolling stock

File:Hellvik stasjon fra perrong.jpg train at Hellvik Station]]

Class 72 is a series of 36 four-car electric multiple units built by AnsaldoBreda. The units are permanently coupled together using Jacobs bogies. Each unit has a power output of {{convert|2550|kW}}, allowing a top speed of {{convert|160|km/h|sp=us}}. The trains are {{convert|85.57|m|sp=us}} long and weigh {{convert|156|t}}, and have seating for 310 passengers and one toilet.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ansaldobreda.com/upload/allegati_prodotti/27_ITA_emu.pdf|title=EMU for Norwegian Railways |publisher=AnsaldoBreda |access-date=7 May 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The trains have better accessibility than the older units and unlike their predecessors are equipped with an electronic public information system.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsb.no/lokaltog/type-72-vaart-nyeste-lokaltog-article24518-3489.html |title=Type 72 |publisher=NSB |access-date=7 May 2010 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206115751/http://www.nsb.no/lokaltog/type-72-vaart-nyeste-lokaltog-article24518-3489.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2009}} Twelve of the units are used on the Jæren Commuter Rail,{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/1161411/Nytt_togsett_paa_Jaerbanen.html |title=Nytt togsett på Jærbanen |last=Berentsen |first=Arvid |date=16 February 2010 |language=no |access-date=21 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218104845/http://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/1161411/Nytt_togsett_paa_Jaerbanen.html |archive-date=18 February 2010 |url-status=dead }} while the remaining 24 units are used on the Oslo Commuter Rail.

=Retired=

Class 69 is a series of 88 two and three-car electric multiple units built by Strømmens Værksted between 1970 and 1993. A motor car has a power output of {{convert|1188|kW}}, allowing a speed of {{convert|130|km/h|sp=us}}. Each car is {{convert|24.85|m|sp=us}} long, with motor cars weighing {{convert|64.0|to|53.9|t|lk=on}} and end cars weighing down to {{convert|28.8|t}}. Typical seating capacity is 96 passengers in the motor cars and 112 passengers in the end cars.Aspenberg (2001): 170 The class was delivered in four versions, named A through D. After the initial delivery of fifteen 69As in 1970 and 1971, twenty 69Bs were delivered in 1974 and 1975. These were designed to operate on longer sections and were equipped with only one door per car. This turned out to extend stopping time too much, and the C and D versions were delivered with two doors per car. From 1975 to 1977, NSB took delivery of fourteen 69Cs and from 1983 to 1993 thirty-nine 69Ds. The latter is distinguishable because of its different front. NSB operates both two- and three-car sets, and up to three units can be run in multiple, allowing NSB to operate any train length from two to nine cars.Aspenberg (2001): 170–177 Eighty-two units remain in service; although they have been retired from the Jæren Commuter Rail, NSB still uses them on the Oslo Commuter Rail, the Bergen Commuter Rail and the Arendal Line.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsb.no/fakta-om-vaare-tog/type-69-arbeidshesten-article24523-2714.html |title=Type 69 – "Arbeidshesten" |publisher=NSB |language=no |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826010453/http://www.nsb.no/fakta-om-vaare-tog/type-69-arbeidshesten-article24523-2714.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 August 2010}}

History

File:Railway and windmill at Nærbø.jpg in 1912. At the time, the railway was narrow gauge and nonelectrical.]]

The Jæren Line opened as a narrow gauge railway between Stavanger and Egersund on 1 March 1878. The railway was extended from Egersund to Flekkefjord on 1 November 1904 as the Flekkefjord Line. On 21 December 1924, the Jæren Line's only branch opened, the Ålgård Line from Ganddal to Ålgård.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009b): 44 On 1 March 1944, the Jæren Line became part of the Sørland Line, when the line opened between Sira and Kristiansand and the Jæren Line was converted to standard gauge.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009b): 45 The Sørland Line from Egersund to Stavanger was opened as electric on 3 June 1956.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009b): 34 This resulted in Class 65 and Class 67 electric multiple units being used on local trains on the line.Aspenberg (2001): 139 In 1960, the services were replaced by Class 68 units.Aspenberg (2001): 157 The section from Stavanger to Sandnes became the first part of the Norwegian railway network, after the Ofoten Line, to be centrally controlled. The centralized traffic control opened from Stavanger to Sandnes on 20 March 1964, and from Sandnes to Egersund on 7 July.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009b): 37 The whole line received partial automatic train control on 31 December 1986.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009b): 40

The commuter rail system was introduced from 1 January 1992, after an agreement between NSB, Rogaland County Municipality and the six municipalities along the line. NSB introduced new Class 69 multiple units, while the county municipality introduced a fare coordination with the corresponding bus services.{{cite news |title=Bedre togtilbud i Rogaland |work=Aftenposten |date=31 August 1990 |page=11 |language=no}} The increase in service involved 15 departures per direction per day, and the travel time from Stavanger to Egersund was reduced from 80 to 55 minutes.{{cite news |title=Nye Jærbanen |agency=Norwegian News Agency |date=27 January 1992 |language=no}} In addition, NSB started with a half-hour headway between Stavanger and Sandnes.{{cite news |title=Nytt opplegg for NSBs lokaltrafikk på Jæren |agency=Norwegian News Agency |date=2 January 1992 |language=no}} A new station, Sandnes Sentrum, was opened in the city center of Sandnes at the time the new service started.{{cite web |url=http://forsk.njk.no/stdb/index.php?mod=st&aut=&detaljert=1&baneID=166&Stnr=5108,02&sid=1897 |title=Sandnes sentrum |publisher=Norwegian Railway Club |access-date=7 November 2010 |language=no}} NSB stated that the goal was to increase the daily ridership from 2,900 to 5,000 passengers by 1994. The stations were also upgraded, including new sheds.{{cite news |title=Byggeskikkprisen til NSB: Reise i god form |last=Stafne |first=Anne Lise |work=Aftenposten |date=17 November 1993 |page=11 |language=no}} The Scanet train radio system was installed between 1993 and 1996.{{cite journal|title=Train radio system for Norwegian State Railways |last=Solberg |first=Bjørn Olav |issue=4 |year=1994 |journal=Telektronikk |publisher=Telenor |pages=73–81 |url=http://www.telenor.com/telektronikk/volumes/pdf/4.1995/Page_073-081.pdf |access-date=24 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718023531/http://www.telenor.com/telektronikk/volumes/pdf/4.1995/Page_073-081.pdf |archive-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:Klepp stasjon.jpg]]

The service was a success, and NSB received a 112% increase in ridership the first year. This resulted in the company introducing a similar service between Trondheim and Innherred, the Trøndelag Commuter Rail, in 1993.{{cite news |title=Trønderbanen skal gi NSB stor trafikkøkning |agency=Norwegian News Agency |date=1 September 1993 |language=no}} In 1993, NSB won Statens Byggeskikkpris, among other things for the new sheds on the Jæren Line. By 1995, ridership was up 150% from before the service started.{{cite news |title=Toget går fra statsbanene |last=Width |first=Henrik |work=Aftenposten |date=6 October 1995 |page=23 |language=no}} In 1997, NSB announced that they would order 36 new electric multiple units, which would among other things replace the aging trains on the Jæren Commuter Rail.{{cite news |title=Bortkasted opprusting |last=Thompson |first=Svein |work=Dagens Næringsliv |date=9 January 1997 |page=8 |language=no}} The new Class 72 trains were put into service on 8 August 2002, several years behind schedule.{{cite news |title=To års ventetid over – nye pendlertog på vei til Oslo |last=Bø |first=Trond |work=Aftenposten |date=9 August 2002 |page=3 |language=no}} In April 2004, the rail administration opened Jåttå Station, which was located close to Viking Stadion, the new home ground of Tippeligaen side Viking FK.{{cite news |title=14 dager igjen: Her stopper Viking-toget |last=Andersen |first=Atle |work=Stavanger Aftenblad |date=17 April 2004 |page=30 |language=no}}

By 2005, ridership had increased to 2.5 million per year, up 278% from 1991, giving a 7% market share in the corridor. To further increase capacity and regularity, the Norwegian National Rail Administration decided to rebuild the section from Stavanger to Sandnes to double track. At the same time, a new freight terminal was to be built at Ganddal, meaning that the section would only have to be shared with intercity trains. The upgrade involved closing Hillevåg Station, and building three new stations: Paradis, Jåttåvågen and Gausel. Construction was started in 2006 and was estimated to be completed by 2009. It was estimated to cost 2.2 billion Norwegian krone. From April to November 2009, the section from Ganddal to Stavanger was closed while the last part of the upgrade was completed.{{cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/1679/To_spor_Sandnes_-__1619932a.pdf |title=Offisiell åpning Sandnes-Stavanger 14. desember |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |date=October 2006 |language=no |access-date=7 November 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525020629/https://www.webcitation.org/5u4FiUBIt?url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Prosjekter/Prosjekter/Ferdige-prosjekter/Sandnes---Stavanger/Prosjektartikler/Offisiell-apning-Sandnes-Stavanger-14-desember/ |archive-date= 25 May 2024 |url-status=dead }} The new line was opened on 16 November 2009 and from 14 December, the 15-minute headway was introduced between Stavanger and Sandnes.{{cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/1679/To_spor_Sandnes_-__1619932a.pdf |title=Første heilskaplege bane sidan Gardermobanen |publisher=Norwegian National Rail Administration |date=17 November 2009 |language=no |access-date=7 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825195417/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/no/Prosjekter/Prosjekter/Ferdige-prosjekter/Sandnes---Stavanger/Prosjektartikler/Forste-helhetlige-bane-siden-Gardermobanen/ |archive-date= 25 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}

In October 2018, Go-Ahead Norway entered into an agreement with Norwegian Railway Directorate to deliver train services on Sørlandsbanen, Arendalsbanen and Jærbanen from 15 December 2019 (a service titled Sørtoget, "Southern Train").{{Cite web|url=https://www.go-aheadnordic.no/om-go-ahead-nordic/|title=Go-Ahead Nordic- Om Go-Ahead Nordic|website=Go-Ahead Nordic|language=no|access-date=2020-04-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dagsavisen.no/nyheter/innenriks/dette-er-nytt-nar-go-ahead-tar-over-om-en-maned-1.1618577|title=Én måned til Go-Ahead kjører i Norge – blir først seende kliss like ut som i dag|work=Dagsavisen|language=no|access-date=2020-04-28|date=2019-11-15|last=Sandberg|first=Tor}} The company sought to increase the frequency of trains on the Jæren Commuter rail.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/norge/go-ahead-vil-redusere-togturen-oslo-kristiansand-med-30-minutter-1.14911566|title=Go-Ahead vil redusere togturen Oslo-Kristiansand med 30 minutter|last=Husø|first=Astri|date=2020-02-21|website=NRK|language=no|access-date=2020-04-28}}

Future

File:Foss-Eikeland station.jpg

The National Rail Administration has developed a plan for possible expansion of the commuter rail. The main possibilities have been discussed: rebuilding the section from Sandnes to Egersund to double track,Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009a): 31–35 taking back into use the Ålgård Line, which branches off at Ganddal,Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009a): 52–56 and building a new branch from south of Gausel to Stavanger Airport, Sola.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009a): 57–58 An alternative to several of the options is a light rail, which may or may not be built as a tram-train, which would use parts of the existing double track between Stavanger and Sandnes.{{cite news|url=http://www.tu.no/bygg/article238998.ece |title=Milliardbanen Kleppa kan stoppe |last=Tunmo |first=Truls |work=Teknisk Ukeblad |date=15 March 2010 |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318060457/http://www.tu.no/bygg/article238998.ece |archive-date= 18 March 2010 |url-status=dead }}

The Ålgård Line is a {{convert|12.24|km|adj=on|sp=us}} long railway which branches from the Sørland Line at Ganddal. It runs via Foss-Eikeland and Figgjo to Ålgård,Aspenberg (1994): 227 and was opened on 20 December 1924.Thime (1999): 13 Passenger services were terminated on 1 November 1955, making it the line with the most frequent passenger traffic in Norway to be closed. Freight trains operated until 1988.Aspenberg (1994): 230 The first {{convert|3|km|sp=us}} are used for freight trains to access a cement factory. The line has officially been closed, but has not been abandoned. The National Rail Administration retains ownership and can in the future renovate the line for operation.{{cite web |title=Jernbaneverket vil beholde Ålgårdbanen |work=Stavanger Aftenblad |last=Ådnøy |first=Åsmund |date=30 July 2008 |page=3 |language=no}} The annual traffic potential for the Ålgård Line is 600,000 passengers. Plans call for stations at Vagle, Figgjo, Kongeparken and Ålgård. It is possible to operate the trains that currently terminate at Sandnes to Ålgård without new infrastructure investments to the Sørland Line. However, the line would need a full upgrade, including new tracks, electric system and signaling. Ålgård is also a good location for a park and ride for European Route E39.

A branch to Sola has been considered to allow the trains to operate to Sola and the airport. The line would branch from the Sørland Line south of Gausel, and be built so trains from the branch could run both northwards and southwards. Proposed stations include the airport, Solakrossen, Forus West, Statoil's head office and possibly the shopping center Kvadrat. This would give a travel time of 17 minutes from the airport to the city center, and 10 minutes from the airport to Sandnes. This route has, however, also been proposed as part of the light rail system. It would give about 2.5 million annual passengers.

File:Jåttåvågen holdeplass.JPG opened in 2009 along the new double track section]]

Plans have been made that would either double or triple the frequency on all the services on the existing commuter rail network. However, increased frequency south of Sandnes will require double track. Should the frequency be doubled, double track would have to be built to where the current service to Nærbø terminates. Plans call for these trains to possibly be extended to either Varhaug or Vigrestad. Should the frequency be tripled, double track would be needed all the way to Egersund. Parts of the Jæren Line is straight enough to permit speeds between {{convert|200|and|250|km/h|sp=us}}. However, several shorter parts need to be rebuilt to allow this, particularly between Egersund and Ogna, and from Bryne to Ganddal. In particular, the section from Ogna to Egersund would probably have to follow an all-new route, should it be rebuilt to double track. The effect of higher maximum speeds is greatest for intercity trains, as the commuter trains have so frequent stops they have little to gain from the increased speeds.

When the Jæren Line was built, the station in Egersund was located in the city center. With the opening of the Sørland Line, the station was moved {{convert|1|km}} north of the city center. Egersund Station has been proposed moved back to its old location for the commuter rail, giving Egersund two stations: one for commuter trains and one for regional trains. The right-of-way still exists for this route, making construction easy. A new Sørland Line has also been proposed, which would run south instead of north from Egersund. This would mean that a city center location for Egersund Station would be better for intercity trains as well.Norwegian National Rail Administration (2009a): 61

Rogaland County Municipality is in the planning process of building a light rail in Greater Stavanger. The initial plans call for a Y-shaped service which could be operational by 2018, with possibilities for further expansion. {{As of|2010}}, the plans call for a {{convert|16.2|km}} line from Stavanger to Sandnes, and a {{convert|7.7|or|8.8|km}} branch to the airport. The travel time from Sandnes to Stavanger would be 29 minutes, and is therefore a supplement to the commuter rail. The light rail would have interchange with the light rail at Stavanger, Paradis, Jåttåvågen, Gausel and Sandnes Sentrum. Several new branches of the light rail have been proposed for later construction.

References

=Bibliography=

{{cite book |title=Glemte spor: boken om sidebanenes tragiske liv |last=Aspenberg |first=Nils Carl |author-link=Nils Carl Aspenberg |year=1994 |publisher=Baneforlaget |location=Oslo |language=no |isbn=82-91448-00-0}}
{{Cite book|first=Nils Carl |last=Aspenberg |author-link=Nils Carl Aspenberg |title=Elektrolok i Norge |year=2001 |publisher=Baneforlaget |location=Oslo |language=no |isbn=82-91448-42-6}}
{{cite book |title=Banelangs: Ålgårdbanen gjennom 75 år |last=Thume |first=Torkel |year=1999 |publisher=State Archive in Stavanger |location=Stavanger |language=no |isbn=82-91794-06-5}}
{{cite web |title=Utbyggingsplan Jærbanen |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/9467/Utviklingsplan%20Jærbanen.pdf |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |author-link=Norwegian National Rail Administration |year=2009a |language=no |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825195134/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/9467/Utviklingsplan%20J%C3%A6rbanen.pdf |archive-date=25 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}
{{cite web |title=Railway Statistics 2008 |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/7894/Jernbanestatistikk%202008_22%20juni_web.pdf |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |author-link=Norwegian National Rail Administration |year=2009b |access-date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122071524/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/PageFiles/7894/Jernbanestatistikk%202008_22%20juni_web.pdf |archive-date=22 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Category:Public transport in Rogaland

Category:Rail transport in Rogaland

Category:Commuter rail systems in Norway

Category:Sørlandet Line

Category:1992 establishments in Norway

Category:Railway services introduced in 1992