Last year, traffic over the Øresund Strait reached over 40 million passenger journeys for the first time, according to the Øresundindex report prepared by the Øresund Institute. This notable increase reflects a growing trend in regional connections between Denmark and Sweden, with commuting emerging as a pivotal driver of integration in the area. The report indicates that there were an average of 20,183 daily commuter journeys by car and train across the Øresund Bridge, as well as ferry services between Helsingborg and Helsingør, representing a significant 10 percent rise in daily commuter traffic.

The surge in passenger travel includes a 5.7 percent increase in the number of personal vehicles crossing the Øresund, with an average of 22,954 cars making the journey each day. This increase highlights the growing popularity of the Øresund Bridge as a means of transportation for both daily commuters and occasional travelers. Despite this positive trend in passenger traffic, the report also notes that freight traffic has stagnated, suggesting potential challenges for logistics and trade in the region as the focus shifts towards personal travel.

Linus Eriksson, the CEO of Øresundsbro Konsortiet, emphasized the significance of this growth in commuting figures for fostering regional integration. As more people transit between Denmark and Sweden for work or leisure, it underscores the interconnectedness of the two nations and could lead to expanded economic opportunities and cultural exchanges in the future.