Lidingöbanan

Gazing at the Lidingöbanan, can you envision its transformation? This light rail line, connecting Ropsten and Gåshaga brygga on Lidingö island, has a rich history. The Lidingöbanan started in 1914 as the Stockholm-Södra Lidingöns Järnväg. Inventor Gustaf Dalén spearheaded this project. Initially, it served the southern part of Lidingö. Access to Stockholm improved significantly in 1925. The Lidingö bridge opened, eliminating the need for ferries. The Lidingöbanan wasn’t just for passengers. It transported goods as well. Its reach once extended into Stockholm’s tramway network. This provided access to the Värtbanan freight railway. There was even a track on Lidingö’s north side. This terminated at Kyrkviken, but closed in 1971. Lidingöbanan officially joined Stockholm’s public transport (SL) in 1972. Interestingly, it operated as a railway until 2009. The Swedish railway inspectorate then reclassified it. Freight trains ran from 1925 to 1982. Tramcars always handled passenger service. Before 1967, these trams continued onto Stockholm’s streets. The line shut down between 2013 and 2015 for modernization. This included double-tracking sections and introducing new A36 trams. This also introduced a new signalling system. Now, thirteen stations dot the line. It offers convenient transport between Ropsten and Gåshaga brygga. At Ropsten, it connects with Stockholm’s metro. A boat terminal awaits at Gåshaga brygga. Future plans envision linking the Lidingöbanan with the Spårväg City line in central Stockholm. From its humble beginnings, the Lidingöbanan has become a vital transport link. It stands as a testament to Lidingö’s growth and connection to Stockholm.