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Last updated Tue Jan 1 12:46:20 EET 2002
VR reduces by 38 the number ordinary express trains - in which a compulsory seat reservation is included in the price at the timetable change on 7.1.2002, by simply renaming them as local trains. In these trains no seat reservation is possible or thus payable. VR sees the change as a response to customer critisms of hidden price increases of up to FIM 24 following the change to compulsory seat reservations on all express trains from last June. The change saves FIM 18 on 2ns class tickets over 75KM and affects some departures on the routes: Tampere-Pori, Seinäjoki-Vaasa, Seinäjoki-Jyväskylä, Savonlinna-Parikkala, Joensuu-Pieksämäki and Joensuu-Nurmes. VR is also increasing the number of green departures from 29 to 34 at the timetable change. These give a 15% ticket price reduction when bought in advance. New busier routes are now included in the scheme - Helsinki to Tampere, Oulu, Jyväskylä and Imatra.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 21.12.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20011221KO11
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
VR-Rata's Eastern-Finland Rail Centre has received ISO-9002 certification as a result of its programme to improve safety, quality and environmental procedures and goals. VR-Rata has now recived certification for all its main business areas - rail planning, building and maintenance.
Source VR-uutiset, 18.12.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
The rail administration centre - RHK and various local authorities in the Helsinki region have drawn up the first region-wide rail traffic noise control programme. Over 55dB(A) noise from rail traffic affects approx 9100 residents which would increase to approx 17500 by 2020 without the programme. The measures should reduce this to approx 4600 residents with almost none suffering from over 65dB(A). The plans include 14 specific sites where in total around 45Km of noise barriers will be built. Within Helsinki works will be undertaken between 2003-5, and in Vantaa and Espoo in connection with new-building works.
Source RHK, tiedote 14.12.2001
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Communes along the route of the Main-Line have prepared a joint transportation plan including prioritisation for their area. The public transportation measures include as priorities (besides the current plans for Kerava urban railway and the Kerava-Lahti short-cut line), specifications for new local traffic EMUs and ticketing arrangements to introduce zonal tickets combined to the capital regions(YTV) tickets.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 13.12.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20011213KA6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Nurmes district court has judged three youths from Leiksa for damaging a level-crossing's control and warning equipment in Lieksa last July, and also to compensate VR-Rata by over FIM 11000. The only 18 y.o. received a five months conditional prison term and the two younger boys three months conditional custodial terms.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 29.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
A woman died and her husband was seriously injured Tuesday (27.11.) morning when they drove straight into the path of a train at an unguarded level-crossing on the freight-only Turku-Uusikaupunki line, near Turku.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 28.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20011128KO6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
The Capital region's transport authority - YTV has decided not to buy the Sm1 (Sm2? Ed.) and Sm4 EMUs from VR - as made possible under its current contract before the end of 2001. It will however continue discusssions with VR to get cost reductions and achieve transparency in its costs calculations - YTV believes costs for rail traffic should come down to the same level as for bus traffic. Research into YTV procuring its own rolling-stock, including alternative ownership and operating structures and technical specification will continue. In the future 120-130 new EMUs costing around EUR 500million will be required to operate services in the YTV area.
Source YTV, tiedote 16.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.ytv.fi/uutiset/uutinen.php?id=1423
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Rail traffic returns to an almost normal service on Saturday (17.11) after Thursday night's high winds brought down trees onto tracks and catenary. On Friday afternoon long-distance trains were still suffering from 30-60min delays and Coastal Line local traffic into Helsinki by approx. 10 min. Repair work to reinstate services Turku-Tampere was finalised Friday evening. One track is exepcted to be closed the whole weekend Lahti-Kouvola. Buses have replaced trains for most of Friday on the routes Helsinki-Turku, Turku-Tampere and Lahti-Kouvola and a limited train service was in service on Coastal Line local services.
Source VR-uutiset, 16.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Helsinki's southern residents' achieved their goal when the city's planning committee decided Thursday (8.11) to the new line using existing tracks. However Kallio-Alpilla resident's forum did not succeed in having the route in their area run over existing tracks on Läntinen Brahenkatu but instead the route will be built along Fleminginkatu and Alexis Kivenkatu - in the forum's opinion destroying cycle routes.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 9.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20011109KA1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
YTV - the capital region's transport authority has published a new Route Guide internet service. It gives the best public transport connections between two points at the requested time, from all available services - buses, trains, metro, trams and Suomenlinna ferry. Its database recognises addresses, (bus, etc) stops, and 2000 major destinations within and around the YTV area. Destinations and suggested routes can also be displayed on a map. The service is the first of its kind in Finland.
Source YTV, 6.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.ytv.fi/uutiset/uutinen.php?id=1343
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
About 30 people received slight injuries when a light-running Sr1 electric loco ran into the back of a Helsinki-Seinäjoki express standing in Tampere station at about 18:30 on Friday (2.11). The loco was due to pull a Turku express which eventually departed from Tampere about one hour late with a replacement loco. Passengers from the north-bound express were transferred to buses to continue their journey. Other services were delayed by 5-15 minutes due to special working arrangements at Tampere whilst the accident train and loco were inspected.
Source MTV3-uutiset, 2.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/kotimaa.shtml?88208
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
A Finnish-Russian working group estimates that the train journey Helsinki-St. Petersburg could be made in four hours from 2003 - probably using Russian stock as VR has no plans to raise speeds using normal trains but prefers to transfer to new 200Km/h tilting trains which could be in traffic by 2005 at the earliest, and making the trip in something over three hours. President Putin's hoped-for three hour journey time would require completion of the Kerava-Lahti short-cut line. The second track between Luumäki and Vainikkala - not scheduled for building before 2010 and already started ATP installation and level-crossing removals would also need to be speeded-up to meet a 2006 introduction. No suitable dual-voltage trains capable of meeting this time are in use in either country at the moment but VR notes that dual-voltage Pendolinos are possible and only one would be needed to start traffic, however a second unit would provide a spare and otherwise be used on domestic routes. More flexible border formalities would also be a necessity.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 1.11.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20011101KO26
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
The newest Pendolino EMU was damaged during a storm in the Bay of Biscay last weekend (20-21.10) on its journey from Savona, Italy to Turku and has had to be unloaded in Le Havre, France for return to Italy for repairs. The frame holding the cars in place collapsed allowing the cars to roll from side to side. A representative for the manufacturer - Alsthom was unable to confirm the extent of the damage but did not believe repairs would take a long time - VR expects the unit to enter service only next summer in any case.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 24.10.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20011025KO14
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
Following a round of discussions with residents' and trade associations Helsinki's planning board has decided to give-up the planned new tram tracks via Korkeavuoronkatu to Merikatu and to divert the route using existing tracks via Bulevardi and Tehtaankatu to Pursimiehienkatu - replacing part of route 1A.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 24.10.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Next year Pendolinos continue from Tampere to Oulu and from Jyväskylä to Kuopio. Also travel times from Helsinki to Tampere and Jyväskylä will improve next summer by 20min to 1:37 and 30min to 3:11 respectively, when renovation of the route is finally complete and the time-saving from the elimination of a loco change at Tampere for the Jyväskylä trains can be included in the time-table.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 16.10.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/tuoreet/juttu.asp?id=20011016OL29&pvm=20011016
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
The driver of the IC train involved in the 1998 collision with a goods train which injured 22 people has been found guilty of endangering traffic safety and fined FIM 4230 by a higher court in eastern Finland. The according to the court the driver drove against the stop signal - although it believed he had seen a repeater signal flash to green before departing, and thereby overturned a lower court's decision to dismiss the case against the driver. VR presented evidence that so far this year alone 163 cases of driving through a red signal have been reported.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 12.10.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20011012KO17&pvm=20011012
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
Although they fulfil all current norms Helsinki's new metro cars are difficult for wheelchair users. Small-wheeled electric wheelchairs can only reverse into the cars. Helsinki's public transport authority - HKL admits the new cars are more difficult to use as the cars' tyre-wear, passenger load and certain stations can bring difficulties to some users. Also the black edge of the door-opening has been criticised as it does not differ from the floor colour. HKL has urged the manufacturer to investigate modifications.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 8.10.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20011008KA1&pvm=20011008
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
During a Baltic area develop conference in St Petersburg Finnish PM Paavo Lipponen hoped for funding from abroad to improve the line from Helsinki to St Petersburg, noting that the TEN network recognised its importance. Russia's President Putin discussed improving the line during his recent State visit to Finland.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 25.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Helsinki is unwilling to buy VR's old local trains - preferably it would but new trains if operations will be offered for tender. Helsinki's ruling council gave its refusal to YTV which is responsible for the capital region's public transport. Also YTV's own officials are in favou r of buying new trains. A decision on buying trains must be made this year as YTV has a right to buy VR's current local trains until the end of this year. By buying new trains YTV hopes to guarantee a level playing-field for companies wishing to bid to run the local train services, which could start in 2006 - until then YTV is tied to buying such services from VR.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 11.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010911KA6&pvm=20010911
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Consumer regulator Erik Mickwitz's investigation into VR's ticketing restructuring has led it to reserving a 3-5% quota of seats for those people that board trains from stations without ticket facilities, at the latest as from 17.12.2001. If all quota places are filled then the conductor must sell a local-traffic ticket, which is the cheapest ticket type - depending on the type of train a saving of up to FIM48. At present around 250,000 travellers board long-distance trains from places without ticket facilities.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 18.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010918KO15&pvm=20010918
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
VR has already paid the first compensation payments under the new railway law which came into effect from June. The law obliges VR to also compensate passengers for damages caused by lateness. If anything the new law has reduced the number of claims even though VR's on-time arrivals have fallen below 90%. In practice no money is paid for delays under 30 minutes unless for example a connection has therefore been missed requiring a replacement taxi.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 9.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010909KO9&pvm=20010909
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
RHK's safety unit and Suonenjoki are in dispute over the communes plans to direct a new snowmobile route over an unguarded level-crossing at Kotiranta on the busy Savo-line, then again over the Iivesi goods line at Käpylä - RHK opposes both crossings. RHK is now readying a case to take to Kuopio administrative court, as the commune's environment committee rejected RHK's official objection last month. With no precedents in being RHK wants to test if it has "grandfather rights" to refuse new or increased traffic over level-crossings.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 7.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010907KO18&pvm=20010907
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
A three hour train journey Helsinki-St. Petersburg to celebrate the city's 300-year anniversary in 2003 looks unlikely despite President Putin's wish. Finland's rail administraion centre (RHK) and its transport ministry both believe this will happen at the earliest only when the Kerava-Lahti short-cut line is ready in 2006. From Lahti eastwards raising speed limits would need over 50 level-crossing removals and other safety improvements. The most expensive work would be a second track Luumäki-Vainikkala, at FIM 500million. RHK has planned these expenditures for 2010 onwards. Fast traffic would also need its own trains as the Finnish and Russian electrical systems are different - at the moment not one locomotive class could haul a fast train the whole journey. In any case due to the curving nature of the route tilting trains would be a necessity.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 5.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010905KO17&pvm=20010905
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Public transport timetables will soon be easier to find. The transport ministry is planning a new internet service so all public transport information would be in one place, thus making public transport more attractive. The ministry has arranged a bidding competition to select an operator. At the latest the service would e in use by 2003. A similar service has been in use for a number of years and can sell tickets.
Source MTV3, 3.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/news.shtml?pubid=78640
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Pendolino traffic extends to Jyväskylä from 22.10, and new units also appear on the Coastal-Line from 10 September when the current pair transfer for refurbishment. On the Helsinki-Jyväskylä route Pendolinos will take-over IC2 departures - Mon-Thu and Sat there will be departures from Helsinki at 5:30, 15:24 and 20:00, from Jyväskylä at 6:03, 15:11 and 19:33. Fri and Sun the middle departures will continue t be IC2 trains. Speeds are limited to 160Km/h Helsinki-Tampere and 140Km/h Tampere-Jyväskylä at the moment. By next summer VR will have 10 Pendolinos and will decide this year what additional routes will be opened to Pendolino traffic in 2002. The new trains feature new furnishing colours, 2+2 seating in second class (in total 47+240+22restaurant), enlarged kitchen and seating areas in the restaurant car an area for passengers with pets and a relocated smoking area.
Source VR uutiset, 5.9.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
VR plans to introduce new Pendolinos into traffic this autumn although the trains are still only in test-running - an exact date should be notified this month. According to VR there are no technical problems but VR itself wants to be completely sure of their technical and staff support structures. VR is trying to avoid the poor image the original series suffered due to breakdowns. Five of the eight units are now in Finland and the rest will arrive early next year. New Pendolinos should have replaced the two older units on the Coastal-Line from early summer to allow their refurbishment. The biggest change on the new trains is 2+2 seating in second class and claimed lower internal noise levels.
Source Kauppalehti, 31.8.2001
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Many of VR's approximately 400 goods stations are threatened with closure in the next few years under on-going research to decide where future investments in goods stations will be made. Stronger competition means VR must raise the quality of services to compete, so small or unmanned loading-points mainly used by the forest industry are likely to be first on the closure list.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 31.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010831KO26&pvm=20010831
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
The planned Marja-line will cross the tunnel carrying the capital region's main water supply near Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The rail tunnel will be about 17,5m above the water tunnel. The rail tunnel will already cause risks to the water tunnel during the blasting stage and it may need to be emptied to allow reinforcement and sealing work. Vibration is hoped to control during the design and building stages. The Marja-line will combine the Martinlaakso-line to the Main-Line via the airport. Building work is expected to start after 2005.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 31.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010831KA4&pvm=20010831
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
The consumer affairs regulator has started discussions with VR over flaws in the ticket restructuring following tens of complaints. People have understood that when they pay for the ticket they receive a seating place. However conductors on trains have been unable to offer vacant seats to passengers buying a ticket on the train as there is no real-time connection to the reservation system from the train, even some buying tickets at the station have not received a seat reservation. According to consumer law an entrepreneur must not use its strong position to force contractual changes onto its customers.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 31.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010831KO28&pvm=20010831
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
VR has ordered 16 diesel raibuses from Czech state-owned CKD Vagonka. It won the bidding competition on experience and reliability as well as value for money. They will replace loco-hauled trains on low-density routes. The driver is also expected to manage the conductor's duties which would reduce costs further. Each car will have a cab at each end, three seating areas with two entrances between. There will be a wheel-chair lift and space for prams or wheel chairs. The railbuses will have a maximum speed of 120Km/h, 63 seating places and up to three units can be coupled together. The contract is worth FIM 160million and includes an option for 20 additional units. Deliveries start in Summer 2005.
Source VR uutiset, 30.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
On Tuesday (14.8) the 20:05 Turku-Helsinki Pendolino departure hit an elk when travelling at around 160Km/h near Inkoo, crushing the elk but causing only a tremor in the passenger section. The train continued its journey after a 15 minute stop for inspection.
Source MTV3, 14.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/index.shtml?news.shtml?pubid=75414
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
RHK and the Transport Ministry are preparing cases for the closure of five lines - Kemijarvi-Kelloselka, Kontiomaki-Taivalkoski, Nurmes-Vuokatti, Savonlinna-Huutokoski and Aanekoski-Haapajarvi. The lines are used mainly by the wood-processing industry, which oppose their closure. Transport Minister Olli-Pekka Heinonen has acknowledged that money is the main problem - other lines are being studied for light repairs whereas those earmarked for closure need repairs totalling almost FIM 1billion. The closure are most likely to happen in 2004.
Source Keskisuomalainen, 12.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.keskisuomalainen.net/sahkeuutiset/1337444.shtml
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Hundreds of wooden booms fitted at half-boom level-crossings are to be extended with a glassfibre which ends with a red reflector. A trial version has been in use almost a year with positive results.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 10.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010810KO1&pvm=20010810
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
The arrangers of Sunday's (5.8) exhibition for grafitti artists at the Kiasma art museum have responded to VR's claims that is caused the defacing of 20 trains over a short time, by saying it is part of the campaign to condemn all grafitti artwork.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 7.8.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010807KA6&pvm=20010807
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Full-boom level-crossings are set to return to Finland - they were removed because cars were remaining on the tracks between booms. Nowadays new technology makes them easier and cheaper to control, however the time they need to be down (to give time to warn trains if there is an fault or obstruction) is double that of half-booms leading to possible traffic congestion. The Turku-Toijala route will see the first new full-boom within a couple of years. However they will be used where no other alternative is practical. A half-boom level-crossing costs around FIM 600,000; a full-boom around FIM 1M and a bridge upwards of FIM 1M. Next year Transport Minister Olli-Pekka Heinonen wants to add an extra FIM 50million to the FIM 100million already budgeted for level-crossing removals. Despite a programme in recent years to reduce level-crossings the number of accidents has not reduced and their removals must therefore be speeded-up, so the extra money is a necessity, says the Minister. There around 5,100 level-crossings in Finland of which only 20% have some kind of warning apparatus, including about 800 with half-booms. Approximately 50 crossings per year are being removed at present.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 25.7.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010725KO13&pvm=20010725
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
Investigations are continuing into Monday evening's (23.7) accident in which five people died when their car was hit by an express train travelling at about 130Km/h on a guarded level-crossing at Jutila between Riihimaki and Lahti. It is believed the car driver assumed the boom was faulty when it did not rise after a 700m-long goods train had passed and so steered around the lowered boom straight into the path of the 18:02 Helsinki-Iisalmi express (P79) arriving from the opposite direction. The victims - all from Joensuu, included three men and two women aged from 17 to 49. It was the second fatal accident at the same level-crossing this year and plans had already been drawn-up for its removal - so far this year 13 people have already died in level-crossing accidents.
Source MTV3, Uutiset, 24.7.2001
Source WWW
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/index.shtml?news.shtml?pubid=71876
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
Last month's ticket reforms have received much criticism, especially since it was made just before the Mid-Summer rush. Even though prices have increased to include a compulsory seating place, passengers still need to stand on occasions.
Source YLE, A-studio, 6.7.2001
Source WWW
http://ww2.yle.fi/show/frData?id=146353
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Vantaa and Kerava municipalaties, RHK and YTV signed a letter of intent (29.6) to extend the Tikkurila city-railway to Kerava. The undertaking is an extension of the passing-loops north of Tikkurila currently under construction. Bus feeder traffic will be arranged to Hiekkaharju, Koivukylä and Savio. Total costs are FIM310million, from which the RHK share is FIM230million, Vantaa FIM67million and Kerava FIM13million. Building starts 2002 if state and municipality costs are accepted, with a planned starting date of 2004.
Source RHK, 29.6.2001
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
The Main Line Group estimates that 10Km long passing-loops on the line between Kerava and Järvenpää would allow every hour three local trains Helsinki-Riihimäki including one running through to Tampere. Additionally speeds could be raised to 200Km/h for IC/Pendolinos. Building - which would cost FIM 285million could start 2003 and would last two years.
Source YLE, Aikainen, 27.6.2001
Source WWW
http://194.252.88.3/rsweb2.nsf/sivut/uutisaihe?opendocument&pageid=Content4EA23
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
YTV believes that the consultation document for the planned railway bill creates sufficient and necessary rules to allow many operators to use Finland's rail network, besides for the planned continuance of VR's monopoly on domestic (passenger) services. YTV would like to see competition in local passenger traffic.
Source YTV, 15.6.2001
Source WWW
http://www.ytv.fi/uutiset/uutinen.php?id=947
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Tampere is researching whether it should try to transfer local transport to rail. One possibility is to use 57Km of RHK's rail network and build a further 26Km of new routes - Tampere station yard is out of the equation so 2,5Km should be built through the centre, underground. Tampere has taken similar-sized Karlsruhe as an example - it has 300Km of rail network. No timetable has been set and the biggest questions stem from whether neighbouring municipalities are interested and at what cost. Rough estimates suggest a cost of about EUR 336million - Tampere currently spends EUR 21million on road building per year.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 13.6.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010613KO8&pvm=20010613
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Helsinki station roof will be inaugurated on Thursday (14.6). RHK has funded the roof over the three central platform piers and two side platforms of the main station in the same style as the concourse roof completed earlier and funded by VR.
Source RHK, 12.6.2001
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/2001/1206asem.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Helsinki is to give a statement on the planned Itäsalmen shopping centre in Sipoo and is considering extending its metro line to there. Helsinki owns hundreds of hectares of land in the area which it could sell profitably if Sipoo municipality would plan extensive housing areas on them to complement the building of the metro line.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010522KA5&pvm=20010522
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
VR starts building a hotel (at the western side of the station) from 16.7 but the nearby tracks will be shortened by about 40 metres from 2.7 onwards. The hotel should be completed in 2003
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010522KA9&pvm=20010522
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
On Thursday 16th June chairmans of most important parliament groups decided that the new railway Kerava-Lahti will be built. Build should begin in 2003 and line should be ready in 2008. But as this was just decided, time table can change. Line will cost 2000 million marks (336 million euros). Together with this was decided that last part of motorway between Helsinki and Turku, about 100 km, from Lohjanharju to Muurla will be built. For both funding will come from state budget and no private money will be used as was the case with motorway from Mäntsälä to Lahti. VR has to pay for the new track as "investment fee" over 15 years 50 million euros. Track will be first new big line for passenger traffic since Jämsänkoski-Jyväskylä opened in 1977.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, Tuoreet 19.6
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/tuoreet/juttu.asp?id=20010619OL14&pvm=20010619
Reported by Kimmo Kotimäki
<rautatie ät sci.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
VR assures that no general price increase has been hidden under the ticketing restructuring. About half of last year's 11.6million long-distance travellers received some kind of reduction and in many cases these journeys will become still cheaper.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 18.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010518KO3&pvm=20010518
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
From 10.6.2001 VR is introducing ticket pricing according to train type and abolishes type and seating supplements, therefore long-distance tickets will now always include a seating place. Pendolino 2nd-class prices - which were previously priced the same as IC trains, rise FIM9-13, IC train prices continue at their current level, express train prices rise by up to FIM24 for those who previously travelled without a reserved seat, but if a seat reservation would previoulsy have been taken prices fall by up to FIM15. The ticket will be valid only for a specific train and will need to be replaced if not used on the specified train. The 5% reduction for a return ticket will be abolished but 50% reductions for children, students and pensioners and other groups will continue and now cover the total ticket price. A new 44-trip ticket is also introduced giving a 25% reduction - 10 and 20-trip tickets will continue as before giving a 10% reduction. New "Green Departures" on all three long-distance train types offering 15% discount on 29 departures per day.
Source VR-uutisia, 17.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n52
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
A working group for the Ministry of Transport and Communications has ear-marked around 1100 level-crossings for removal by 2015, and hopes to improve safety by improving sighting distances, levelling approach roads and fitting more booms and warning equipment. The total package would cost FIM1700million. Currently the rail and road authorities plus local councils spend around FIM110-115million on level-crossing removals so an extra FIM40million per year would be required. VR's long-planned speed-up demands their removal in order to raise running speeds above 140Km/h. There are currently 5162 level-crossings.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 16.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20010516KO19&pvm=20010516
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
A working group for the Ministry of Transport and Communications has recommended traditional state financing for the planned Kerava-Lahti short-cut line, with at best 5-10% coming from local councils and the EU. However it also believes investment charges could be raised from users - in practice VR. The EU railway directive allows such if investment significantly reduces operating costs. (VR has already voiced its opposition to the idea. Ed.)
Source Ministry of Transport and Communications, 10.5.2001
Source WWW
http://www.mintc.fi/www/sivut/dokumentit/tiedote/liikenne/e18_lii_ti.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
A lower Helsinki court has dismissed charges against four VR managers. Cahrges were raised after a wagon inspector broke his leg falling into a hole in Ilmala yard in October 1998. According to the court the yard's geophysical changes became known only after the accident. The Uudenmaa work safety office plans to appeal to a higher court.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 21.4.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010421KA15&pvm=20010421&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
The Consumer Complaints Board has ordered VR to refund costs caused by snow to a car using one of its car-trains, as it saw VR as negligent in warning of snow ingression on the journey. The family's car failed to start after a thaw-out and they needed to rent a replacement car until their own was returned just a day before travelling back home, resulting in a FIM9500 damages claim. VR agreed to pay half the claim.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 13.4.2001
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
Traffic planners in Espoo have arranged three public meetings in April to present light-rail schemes as part of future public transport developments.
Source Metro-lehti, 17.4.2001
Source WWW
http://www.metrolehti.everyday.com/site/news/paper/article.phtml?art_id=306003&art_cat=loc&art_issue=20010417
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Helsinki's metro was without services between Herttoniemi and Sörnäinen for two hours early this morning after a truck fell six metres from a road bridge onto the tracks. The driver recieved minor injuries.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 11.4.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010418KA3&pvm=20010418
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
Espoo council has chosen a new line for its metro which curves to Keilaranta before Otaniemi. The earlier, cheapest route would have been a direct line from Koivusaari to Otaniemi. Big businesses such as Nokia and Fortum have suggested it would be sensible to locate a station near to their head-offices.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 11.4.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010411KA5&pvm=20010411&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
The ex-manager of VR's Helsinki wagon depot and 3 VR-Rata managers need to go to court on work safety charges. Usually in this case the prosecutor demands such the higher management be fined after a wagon inspector broke his leg when he fell into one of the cavities which have formed under the catenary supports in the yard. Work safety officials are demanding the whole yard is brought up to standard which will cost FIM5-20million.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 3.4.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010403KA13&pvm=20010403&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
RHK (the rail administration body) wants to survey the route of the planned Kerava-Lahti shortcut line. The last survey was in the mid-nineties and its survey licence is already out-of-date. Because its building has been delayed, RHK is also applying for a longer surveying licence, from 2001 to 2010. To households likely to be affected it means many years of uncertainty.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010322KA12&pvm=20010322&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
VR-concern recorded a net profit of FIM307million for 2000, down from FIM396million in 1999. Operating profit was down at FIM389million (429) and turnover slightly up at FIM6796million (6773). Domestic freight was up 4% to 24million tonnes - the largest ever in its history, but international freight, mainly to/from Russia was down 2%. Altogether 40.5million tonnes were carried and turnover totalled FIM1964million (1907). Local traffic in the Capital region grew 4% to 43million but long-distance traffic fell around 1% partly as a result of lower speed limits on eastern and northern lines. Russian passenger traffic rose 17% however. In total 54.8million passenger journeys were made and turnover was FIM1632million (1568). Turnover from road transport operations reached FIM1145million (1081). The track construction/maintenance operations collected turnover of FIM1483million (1656).
Source VR Uutiset, 15.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
On Monday evening (13.3) a 15y.o. boy from Tuusula died after hitting a catenary support when he jumped from an express travelling at 135Km/h in Kärkölä. A second 15y.o boy from Järvenpää who also jumped escaped with minor injuries. The boys had boarded the Helsinki-Imatra train in Riihimäki trying to travel to Nastola without tickets. The conductor had ordered them to make their way to his own compartment to clarify their situation whilst he finished checking tickets. The boys never arrived. It is doubtful the boys fell by accident although the doors of "blue stock" can be opened when the train is moving. A FIM50million fitting of central-locking should be ready in April.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 14.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010314KO10&pvm=20010314&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems has admitted a design fault in the bogies of the new low-floor trams being delivered to HKL (Helsinki's traffic body). The fault means that they are quickly suspecticle to fatique and so all the new trams will need to be repaired. However it is not known whether the redesign will provide a lasting solution. The 6 units already in traffic should be repaired in March and new trams should arrive at the rate of 2 per month. The whole 20 strong series should have been in use by last autumn but numerous faults and corrections to bring them within contract specification has caused delivery delays. Agreement for a further 20 units has already been made for delivery starting from Summer 2002.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 14.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010314KA2&pvm=20010314&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
YTV's (the Capital region's transport body) officials are swaying to the idea that it would not purchase VR's old local trains but instead procure new trains for the likely forthcoming tendering of train services in its area in 2006. YTV's option to buy local trains from VR at a discounted price ends this year. By buying new rolling stock for competing operators to lease it would level any distortion in bids from the quality of trains being offered. VR's older local trains could become more of a liability as they approach the end of their life-cycle, and the newer Sm4 is considered too good for purely local traffic.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 6.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010306KA8&pvm=20010306&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
Tuusula council believes the proposed Kerava-Lahti short-cut line would bring increased disturbance and affect its building plans for the Jokela area. At least it demands the line would tunnel under the Main Line near Tuomala (not over it).
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 6.3.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
Espoo's public transport committee believes the passenger's viewpoint should be better considered. In choosing the metro over its bus alternative it notes that passengers would be forced underground and lose sight of the beautiful coastal landscapes, which would remain the benefit of only the car users thereby distorting the passengers' choices. It hopes on the surface-running alternatives would still be researched.
Source Uutiset 100, 28.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.uutislehti100.fi/
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
The High Court has made a precedent by up-holding the decision made in a lower court requiring compensation to be paid for the time trains were out of service for graffitti cleaning. The fifteen 15-23y.o. youths were convicted of spraying trains throughout Finland 4-5 years ago and they and younger defendants will now need to also pay compensation.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 28.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010228KA5&pvm=20010228&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
Russia has finished the new route Kostamus-Murmansk after 10 years of building. The new route means a direct connection from north-western Russia to northern Finnish ports, via Kostamus and Kontiomäki. The route will be opened to traffic in the autumn.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 20.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20010220KO3&pvm=20010220&a=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.14
RHK (the rail administrator) has decided to implement Phase III of its ATP plans. All passenger traffic and the most important freight lines will thus be covered by the end of 2005. The decision covers 2171Km of track - of the earlier phases started in 1993, so far 1686Km out of 2400Km are now in operation and the final 700Km will be built this year. RHK-funded track-side equipment is estimated to cost FIM700million in total from which Phase III is worth around FIM300million.
Source RHK, 22.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
From 1.3.2001 an extra all double-decker IC2 train will depart from Turku at 7:56, arriving Helsinki at 10:02, on Modays to Fridays.
Source VR, Uutiset, 13.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n36
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Rails laid on the section Kirkkonummi-Turku in the 1980's have been found to be faulty. RHK (the rail administrator) has increased checks and fitted temporary a 140Km/h speed restriction to 13Km of line. Rails will be changed in the spring as soon as the weather allows.
Source RHK, 8.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/2001/0802kisk.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
VR is critical of YTV (the capital region's transportation body) for its decision to delay the opening of the Leppävaara "city railway" until June 2002. The railway will be completed by June 2001 and the complimentary bus terminal for feeder traffic by December 2001. YTV claims there are many reasons to avoid a big change in traffic at the New year, for example, bad weather can otherwise cause disruption, making an extra timetable change would cuase additional work for traffic planners, getting information to customers during the holiday season is difficult. To VR the explanations sound like excuses. The new tracks will instead be taken into use gradually - from June additional E-trains will raise the number of daily trains from 130 to 155 and eventually next year to 285.
Source Länsiväylä-lehti, 7.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.lansivayla.fi
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
The capital region's local traffic was in difficulty Tuesday (6.2) afternoon rush-hour when all I-trains to Tikkurila and half of the M-trains to Vantaankoski had to be cancelled. Kerava's K-trains and Kirkkonummi's S/U/L trains were shorter han normal. At worst 30 EMUs were out of traffic due to snow in electrical equipment. Also all long-distance traffic from Helsinki was 15-60 minutes late due to delays in getting stock from the depot during snowstorms.
Source VR, Uutiset, 6.2.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n35
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
Germany's Hoft & Wessel is supplying 400 new ticketing machines to VR. The new machines contain information on all ticket options including reductions and will later read travelcards. The FIM15 handling charge for payments by bank or credit card is withdrawn although the same amount will continue to be charge on any sales from stations with an open ticket office.
Source VR uutiset, 18.1.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n32
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
VR has tied an agreement with Copterline for travellers from Turku, Tampere and Kouvola to travel by train to Helsinki, by taxi to the flight terminal then helicopter to Tallinn and return for an all-in price starting 1.2.2001. Under an agreement with Nordic Ferry Centre train travellers for Finnlines ferries to Germany will receive half-price train connections in Finland. Similar offers are available via Silja, Viking and Nordic Jet Lines, and Kristina Cruises.
Source VR uutiset, 18.1.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n31
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Lomapassi - VR's holiday travel pass will be available from 1.6-31.8. this year. Unlimited travel in second-clss for 30 days costs FIM 275 for children, students and pensioners and FIM550 for others. Discounts on accommodation and tourist attractions is also included.
Source VR uutiset, 18.1.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n30
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Orivesi station including its ticket office is closed from 15.1.2001. Traffic is not affected. In future station announcements will be remotely controlled from Tampere. Ticket sales in Orivesi will continue at a local travel agents and cafe.
Source VR uutiset, 8.1.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n28
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Eno station including its ticket office is closed from 1.1.2001. Traffic is not affected. Ticket sales in Eno will continue at a local travel agents.
Source VR uutiset, 3.1.2001
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm#n27
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson ät dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Note that I don't work for VR. Created Tue, Dec 9 1997 Kimmo Kotimäki.