Stockholm’s Digital Ticketing: HID Modernizes SL’s Rail System

Stockholm’s public transit upgrades digital ticketing, boosting fare collection and passenger experience. HID’s modernization project slashed fare evasion.

Stockholm’s Digital Ticketing: HID Modernizes SL’s Rail System
September 13, 2025 4:55 pm
A+
A-

“`html

Introduction

HID has supported Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) in a digital ticketing modernisation programme, eliminating paper tickets and enabling contactless payments across 2,600 buses, 140 ferry validators, 320 tram platforms, and 1,035 metro fare gates in the Stockholm region.

Ticketing Modernisation and Technology

The digital ticketing modernisation programme implemented by HID for Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) has enabled passengers to use mobile apps, contactless cards, and digital wallets across all public transit modes. The new ticketing infrastructure was selected for its durability in harsh Nordic winters to ensure reliable service. The system is designed to prevent ticket duplication and unauthorised sharing, protecting fare revenue.

Financial Benefits

The digital ticketing modernisation has resulted in substantial financial gains for SL. Fare evasion dropped from 3.1% in 2019 to 2.3% in 2023, a 26% reduction. This has returned millions of Swedish Kronor annually for reinvestment in public transport infrastructure and services. Ticket validation rates on ferry services improved from 58% in November 2021 to 89% by March 2025.

Operational Improvements

The new integrated ticketing devices facilitate a consistent validation experience and seamless integration across all transit touchpoints. The modernisation has delivered measurable benefits, including a dramatic reduction in fare evasion, which has recovered millions of Swedish Kronor in revenue for SL.

Geographical Context

Stockholm County, which accounts for 20% of Sweden’s population but only 2% of its land area, benefits from a scalable, open-architecture system. This allows SL to adapt to evolving technologies and passenger needs. The programme has transformed the daily travel experience for hundreds of thousands of passengers.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s new cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub for Cercanías trains. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The digital ticketing modernisation programme has eliminated paper tickets and enabled contactless payments across buses, ferries, trams, and metro stations for Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL). The initiative has improved fare collection and provided a more reliable service for passengers.

Company Summary

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL): Stockholm’s public transit authority.

HID: Supported Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) in a digital ticketing modernisation programme.

“`