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Last updated Tue Dec 31 19:41:44 EET 2002
Parliament approved EUR 9M funds for connections - including a mainly tunneled line to the main line at Kerava, to the planned Vuosaari harbour in Helsinki, with voting ending 116-67 in favour after a night-long session. Opponents blamed the Government of buying support from regional MPs by including various road projects for the rest of the country in the same package. Especially MPs from other harbour towns consider the new harbour questionable as it weakens the competitiveness of these other locations. The transport connections are estimated to cost EUR 207,4M, from which the State pays 50% and Helsinki the remainder.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 21.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021221KO4
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Russian transit traffic via Finland's rail network has reduced by approximately 1 million tonnes this year - last year transit traffic was 4M tonnes. The port of Kokkola's unprocessed metals traffic reduced by 500,000t to almost non-existence although grain movements have been used to fill the loss. Also fertiliser carriage from Kotka has virtually ended. Lower Russian freight rates have directed many goods into Russian ports after rates were lowered for domestic traffic, only. Even some direct exports to Finland have transferred to ships since the rail portion remains within Russia at the cheaper rates. VR managers point to Russia remaining outside of the WTO, which would have prevented such protectionist pricing.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 19.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021219TA3
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Transport Minister Kimmo Sasi wants the domestic flying squirrel removed from the EU's list of endangered species, especially as it's protected status now slows building of the Kerava-Lahti short-cut line. The EU has threatened to withhold its share of funding as the animals' protection was not properly considered in the plans. Finland is the only EU country in which it resides, within old-age forests - it is estimated there are between 10-50,000 individuals.
Source MTV3 Uutiset, 16.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/arkisto.shtml?2002/12/146027
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Suburban traffic will be reduced by 2% next year as YTV (the Capital's metropolitan-wide transport authority) has decided to buy at most 946M/seat-Kms in 2003. The reductions will be most noticeable in rush-hours when shorter trains will be running.
Source Uutislehti-100, 16.12.2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The last rail wagons leave from Pasila workshops in the next few days and a 100 year tradition ends when the remaining 40-odd workers transfer to VR's nearby Ilmala depot. Up to the start of the 1990's the major part of VR's passenger and freight rolling-stock was built here. At its peak in the 1960's 1500 people were employed at the workshops. The last new wagons were finished in 1992 and even refurbishment work on EMU's has also recently been transferred to Ilmala. Only emergency repair and maintenance work has remained. Currently approx. 40 businesses rent space there - mainly from within the media fields. Planning changes are underway to allow building of homes for around 2500 people amnd 2000 workplaces from 2005.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 16.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021216KA6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
HKL (Helsinki's Traffic Board) starts a thorough internal refurbishment on its 39 metro cars from the original 1982-84 series. Displays The work will last 4-5 years and include overhaul of technical equipment.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 3.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021203KA5
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The number of road trailers carried by rail will increased noticeably when Oulu's new road-rail terminal is ready for use in 2004. The new terminal cost over EUR 8M and is joint-funded by VR, RHK and Oulu city. Last year over 15.000 vehicle trailers were handled as combined road-rail freight of which 90% was handled in Oulu. Each week-day two return workings leave Oulu for Helsinki and one for Turku. At least one additional return working will be added when the terminal comes into use. VR's Pieksämäki workshops have recently completed 20 wagons which allow carriage of 4,20m trailers compared to the earlier 4,00m height limit.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 1.12.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021201KO1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The second-class sleeping-cars of the Russian "Tolstoi" service are being replaced with new ones from Russia's Tveri wagon works. Their colour will change from green to blue and white along with the new cars, which continue with four-berth cabins. However, new features include air-conditioning and electronic information boards, closed-system toilets and longer beds - causing the gangways to be slightly narrower then before. An invalid cabin is also included in the cars. Later the first-class car will also be replaced with cars from the same works. Through traffic started on the route Helsinki-Moscow route in 1954 as one car attached to the Helsinki-Leningrad service but a dedicated train came into use only in 1975.
Source VR-Uutiset, 28.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The first purpose-built travel centre opens on 2.12 at Jyväskylä, when both separate bus and rail stations move to the combined building where VR and Matkahuolto will sell both bus and train tickets. 4000 daily users are expected. Total costs are around EUR 30M of which Jyväskylä city has paid the largest share. Meanwhile, VR-Group and builder Palmberg have signed a cooperation agreement to develop Oulu's protected station buildings to answer the demands of current-day travellers by developing associated shops and services on the site, and provide better rail-bus information and ticketing services. Discussions have now started with Oulu city council to obtain town plan changes. The goal is an opening date in 2005 for the travel centre when Oulu celebrates its 400 year anniversary. Oulu is VR's sixth busiest railway station and user levels have risen to about 750.000 this year.
Source VR-Uutiset, 26.11.2002 & 15.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Talgo Oy (formelry Transtech) has called workers' representatives to discussions concerning the possible lay-off of the whole 500-strong workforce. Already about 100 staff are laid-off and the situation will worsen with the forth-coming completion of VR's order for double-decker IC2 cars. Discussions with its Spanish parent company are also continuing with a view to securing other work.
Source Talgo Oy, pressroom, 22.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.talgo-transtech.fi/aosa/uutiset/Lehdistotiedote22.11.2002.rtf
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
From 9.12 goods traffic from M-Real's Kirkniemi papermills near Lohja has transferred to 25t axle-loadings. A new wagon type allows nearly 10t or 16% more capacity over the previous 22,5t wagons, allowing a reduction in the number of vans per train. VR-Cargo intends that all new wagon procurements will allow 25t axle-loadings. VR-Cargo has been testing loads on the route Kirkniemi-Hango Harbour using the new Simn-t wagons for some time on this route, the first complete route where the permanent-way has been rebuilt to the required standards. Three such trains every day run over the route. From January 2003 traffic from Pori/Mäntyluoto Harbour for Outokumpu's metal factory at Harjavalta will also run with 25t axle-loadings.
Source VR-Cargo/Transpress
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/fincargo/ajankohtaista/tp_32002_4.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
VR has transferred two low-floor Sm4 EMUs to work on the routes Helsinki-Leppävaara/Martinlaakso, in line with YTV (the capital's metropolitan-wide transport authority) wishes. YTV wants to give users on all its lines the chance to choose a departure offering easy access, although it is still not possible to guarantee which departures the Sm4s will run on as rolling stock is so scarce. VR has ten SM4s of which eight were in regular traffic rosters working P, I and K departures on the Main Line, but this is now reduced to six units. VR has ordered 20 more SM4s with the intention to bring them into use on longer routes.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 16.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021116KA9
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The 15:46 Oulu-Helsinki Pendolino departure hit first two deer near Eskola, then before arrival at Kokkola it struck an elk calf. The train continued without stopping as far as Kokkola but then had to be withdrawn because of an electrical fault caused by the accidents. Its 600 passengers needed to continue their journeys on other later services.
Source Keskipohjanmaa - Maakunta, 11.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.keskipohjanmaa.net/doris/Doriswww.Dll?dpubl&JNetHaku,94340
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
A report has suggested that various transport-related administrations in central and local government should be combined into a new Traffic Administration agency. The report studies how aministration should develop and structural problems of funding should be solved. By selling some of VR-Group and other shareholdings the State could collect over EUR 1billion. VR-Group's Henri Kuitunen is highly critical of the report but the Rail Admininstration Centre have taken a more positive view, as has the Transport Minister Kimmo Sasi.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 14.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021114KO16
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The express train P704, 6:15 Mikkeli-Kouvola will be withdrawn from 31.12.2002 due to the small number of passengers using the new service which connects into an IC train at Kouvola to give an earlier arrival in Helsinki, the service started in traffic from 19 August this year.
Source VR Uutiset, 6.11.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Kari Rajamäki, the chairperson for the transport section of Parliament's Finance Committee would like to see orders made, to secure the future for the workforce at Talgo's (ex-Transtech) Otanmäki wagon works. It isn't in VR's or Finland's interests to waste their skills, he says, but orders could be found by ordering new local trains for the Helsinki region, for example. Finnish officals were in Madrid at a conference on High-Speed Trains, and visited Talgo's local factory.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 28.10.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021028TA1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
This year a new system for measuring overheating in wheel bearing and axles is being fitted around southern Finland. The systems consists of three control centres - Helsinki, Tampere and Kouvula; a recording station located in Helsinki and detection equipment located at approx. 50Km intervals. This year the Austrian - VAE AG supplied equipment will be fitted at 11 points on the Main Line Helsinki-Tampere, and all 40 new detecting stations will fitted before 2005. Nine of the current detectors will be re-used in other parts of Finland. The control centres forward warning messages from the detection equipment to the signalling controllers who must acknowledge every warning and give instructions to the train's driver.
Source Rautatietekniikka, 3/2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Railway page for Finland got five years old today. Since introduction in 1997 it has given good overview about railways in Finland today and tomorrow. It has also over 50 piece of railway news per year and technical details of all passenger rolling stock in use. A trusted source of Finnish railway information has been noticed worldwide, in WWW there are about 180 links to Railway page for Finland and page has about 40 readers daily.
Reported by Kimmo Kotimäki
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Disturbances lasting many years are at last nearly over, when a new road under-bridge at the northern end of Kerava station was taken into use on Thursday (10.10). Also, the line for a fourth rail track is now ready, as part of the coming urban railway, albeit tracks are missing from some parts of the route from Tikkurila. The whole works have cost nearly EUR 35M, from which Kerava municipality has paid EUR 5M - mainly for buildings, roads and pathways. Discussions are now under way as to who will pay the nearly EUR 1M for the missing lifts that were deleted from the original plans.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 11.10.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021011KA7
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
VR is renewing its high-speed train policies as Finland's rail network does not match Pendolino's performance and line improvement works are too expensive. VR cancelled its option on seven extra Pendolinos in June, leaving the total at 18. Three big rail procurements, Kerava-Lahti, Tikkurila-Kerava and electrification in northern Finland mean other developments to speed-up the rest of the network have to wait longer. Especially the routes into central Finland have been a disappointment as no one knows when Jyväskylä will be reached in 2,5 hours or Kuopio in 3 hours from Helsinki due to the current speed restrictions. Even if money does become available, even by VR's wishes Helsinki-Oulu and Helsinki-St. Petersburg would be first in line for improvements.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 9.10.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20021009KO13
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
Talgo Oy of Finland have proposed an innovative design of double-deck EMU to VR for use on Helsinki suburban services. They hope to gain an order for 20 units each consisting of 5 cars, all carrying passengers on both decks. The standard Talgo system of inter-car coupling will be used, featuring a pair of steerable wheels each on it’s own stub axel with high- level suspension located under the floor of the upper deck. Using the Talgo system means that there is room for separate, floor level, inter-car gangways on both 2 m high decks. Cars 1 and 5 will have powered bogies at the outer ends, using ELIN (Austrian) traction equipment, located behind the driving cab. The 3 intermediate cars will be only 7.5 m long and the total length of the EMU 54 m. Each car will be 3.3 m wide and have one doorway per side. It is possible that composite material produced by Fibrocom of Finland could be used for the bodyshells.
Source Railway Gazette International 11-2002
Source WWW
http://www.railwaygazette.com
Reported by Phil Lockwood
<p_lockwood@yahoo.com>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
On 7 August, the Helsinki-based Finnlines Group announced that it has sold its fleet of railway wagons to a group of foreign investors, and that it has concluded a customary transport agreement concerning the transportation of railway wagons on Finnlines' rail ferries between Turku and Travemünde with the Swiss company Ferroviasped Holding AG, wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuehne & Nagel.
According to the statement railway wagon traffic on the Turku-Travemünde route will continue as usual and vessels will continue to carry all kinds of cargo. The wagon fleet will be managed by the Hamburg-based company Kesselwagen Vermietgesellschaft mbH (KVG). Finnlines said that in the course of 2002, it will gradually wind down its own door-to-door rail transport between Finland and continental Europe and concentrate on the transport of railway wagons by sea. The company also said that with effect from 1 January 2003, Ferroviasped Holding AG will operate and develop this door-to-door transport.
The Finnlines Group is one of Europe's largest shipping companies specialising in liner cargo services. As well as handling freight transport on land, the company's other main business in the provision of port services, principally in Helsinki and Turku.
Source Today's Railways, 10/2002
Source WWW
http://www.todaysrailways.com/
Reported by Kimmo Kotimäki
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
Helsinki's planning department is leaving open the possibility of crossing the sea from Katajanokka to Laajasalo by a 2Km bridge instead of a tunnel for its 2002 town plan. This second metro line for Helsinki would run from Pasila to Laajasalo via Meilahti, Töölö, Kamppi, Erottaja, Senatintori and Katajanokka. When the oil terminal at Laajasalo is relocated (this decade) a new housing area for up to 10,000 will be built including three stations for the peninsular. In addition provision for continuing the metro line further south will be made in expectation that the military base at Santahamina will also be relocated sometime in the future. The planning department believes the bridge option would also allow direct connections to the centre to start with bus traffic if building the metro in the centre were delayed.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 23.9.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020923KA3
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The board of the metropolitan region's co-operation commission (YTV) has decided that continuing the metro line into Espoo is more important than extending the Leppävaara urban railway to Espoon Keskus, although both are now timetabled to begin within the time of the renewed transport development document (PLJ), that is by 2020. Building the metro should start before 2010 with trains running to Matinkylä by 2020, but the urban railway would be developed by using only the current infrastructure in the first stage. Vantaa's Marja-rata - forming a loop from the Main Line to join the Vantaankoski line via the international airport is the first rail development in the prioritised list.
Source YTV-uutiset, 13.9
Source WWW
http://www.ytv.fi/uutiset/uutinen.php?id=2189
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Traffic between Helsinki-Tampere will be subject to delays between 13.9-6.10 when connection works are made to the Hollo re-alignment line at Lempäälä. New permanent connections will be made immediately at the southern end and a temporary connection at the northern end. During the period only one running line will be in available. The re-alignment is 2,4Km long and cost EUR 14,5M. Four level-crossings will also be taken out of use as a result of the new line. This is the final improvement works to up-grade line speeds to 200Km/h on the section Riihimäki-Tampere.
Source VR-uutiset, 11.9.2002/VR Matkaan-lehti, 9/2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
From 23.8, the 15:20 Helsinki-Kuopio Pendolino departure (S95) will run on Friday's with two units all the way to Kuopio - giving 618 places. On other days the second unit will be detached at Jyväskylä. Frequently Friday's train has been sold-out.
Source VR-uutiset, 26.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
A three-car diesel-hauled local train from Tampere was wrongly directed to a passing-loop at near the 100Km/h line-speed on Monday (19.8), at Kolho near Vilppula. Probably the turn-out had been left at the wrong setting after track maintenance work. The train driver had noticed the mistake and began emergency braking. No passengers were injured nor was any damage done to the train or track but an accident investigation board has been been formed to investigate.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020822KO11
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The Ministry of Transport has urged Espoo council to prepare town plans on the basis that both the metro and urban railway extensions would only be built after 2010, in its own presentation to the board for the transport planning document (PLJ) review, on Tuesday (20.8). Espoo's Technical Director, Olvai Louko says straight that he does like it that Espoo doesn't getting anything (before then). "Espoo Metro and Leppävaara urban railway extension shouldn't be grouped in the same basket, but the urban railway should build considerably before 2010." According to Luoko large areas suitable or building are in central and west Espoo (near the Coastal Line -Ed.) Southern Espoo is already built so getting building benefits from a new metro is unrealistic as planning would be delayed and could result in few new users. However Helsinki's Assistant City Director Pekka Korpinen sees the Ministry's list as encouraging and a noticable step in bringing the Espoo metro to fruitition, noting it is the first time the ministry has committed itself to it.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020822KA2
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR plans to withdraw all passenger traffic on the lines Karjaa-Hanko and Kouvola-Kotka, if the State cuts funds for buying public transport services. "Savings can be made more effectively by cutting a whole route" says VR's MD Juhani Kopperi. Around 170,000 are made yearly on the Karjaa-Hanko route and 145,000 Kouvula-Kotka. The 1999 agreement between VR and the Ministry of Transport covers years 2002-2004, but in June 2001 they agreed to continue subsidies after this date, on the condition that VR procures 16 rail-buses for subsidised rail routes.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 17.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020817KO8
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Route 61 now runs at 12 minute intervals on the 20 min. run to/from the airport. Before buses were at 20-30 min. intervals and few air passengers used them. The change follows VR's change from June of stopping all its long-distance trains on the Main Line (except Pendolinos) at Tikkurila, to make rail connections to the airport quicker and easier.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 13.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020813KA3
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
One man died when the tractor he was driving hit the side of the 12:30 Vaasa-Seinäjoki (H524) on a level-crossing at Sutela. No train passengers were injured but the train had to continue with a new locomotive as that pulling the train was damaged. Buses replaced train services on the route for part of the day while light repairs to the track could take place.
Source VR-uutiset, 12.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Starting from 19.8, a new express train - P704 will run Mikkeli-Kouvula on Monday-Fridays at 6:15, arriving 7:25, and connectiing into an IC departure at 7:30 giving an arrival in Helsinki at 9:26 - one our earlier than at present. The train will run until the end of the year to test its popularity.
Source VR-uutiset, 12.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Vihti and Lohja are hankering for Espoo's urban railway to reach to Nummela. The goal is to create a new growth corridor. "If even growth is wanted throughout Uusimaa then growth should come to elsewhere than along the Main Line corridor..." says Vihti municipality's leader Arno Miettinen. To gain profitability the line would demand substantial residential growth - Nummela would need to at least double in size, however the rail line would ease the slowly worsening traffic congestion on the areas main roads.
Approx. 4000 people travel from Vihti for their work in the capital region mostly by car. Nummela rail line would branch-off from the Coastal Line after Espoon Keskus then follow the Helsinki-Turku motorway for most of its route. The new line would need 26Km of new line plus an extra 3Km between Nummela and Lohja. Difficult terrain and many new stations would make the line expensive - EUR 250-350M compared to the EUR 335M for the Lahti short-cut line, even though it is less than half as long. Although the line is intended for only local traffic 250Km/h would be possible for most of its length making it possible to form a shorter Helsinki-Turku route.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 8.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020808KA4
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
From next week the last departure on Helsinki's metro traffic is at 22:28 from Ruoholahti, as a result feeder bus services will also end an hour earlier and night buses will begin running one hour earlier. The changes lead from the building of the new city-centre Kamppi bus terminal, part of which must be done when metro traffic has stopped. Also new is that during rush-hours only metros from Vuosaari will continue as far as Ruoholahti.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 5.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/tuoreet/juttu.asp?id=20020805OL10
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Helsinki-Turku were delayed again by 30-45 mins on Monday (5.8) between 11:00 and 16:00. This time the defect was not thundery weather but a fault in signalling equipment, causing a reduction in speed from 160Km/h to 50 and even 10Km/h over a 24km stretch
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 5.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/tuoreet/juttu.asp?id=20020805OL16
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Defects in signalling equipment between Kirkkonummi-Siuntio, caused by thunder and lightning last Thursday (1.8) have still not been found, and trains are still running approx. 30 minutes late. Signalling staff are themselves surprised at the difficulty of locating and rectifying the fault, which is hoped to have repaired today.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 3.8.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/tuoreet/juttu.asp?id=20020803OL2
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Officials and politicians from the capital region have left for summer holidays in disagreement over prioritisation of major transport schemes planned for the region and to be included in the four-yearly update of the transport planning document (PLJ) - the last before next spring's genral election. Especially, Espoo's preference to raise the continuation of the Leppävaara urban railway to Espoon Keskus, over continuation of Helsinki's metro westwards into Espoo has caused friction.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 6.7.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020706KA3
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Finland's parliament passed new laws, effective from 1.9.2002 in order to comply with the EU's directives on ordinary and high-speed rail networks. The directives oblige memeber states to standardise rail network and train technical characteristics in order to increase rail's competitiveness and in the long-term to reduce costs by increasing the market area for equipment manufacturers.
Source Ministry of Transport & Communication, 27.6.2002
Source WWW
http://192.102.44.142/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=lvm/cm/pub/showdoc.p?docid=1735&channeltypeid=&channelid=23&channelitemid=4804&tmplanguageid=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
When the Kerava-Lahti direct line opens in 2006, local services on the Main Line should improve with three services per hour serving Kyrölä, Järvenpää and Saunakallio. On the other hand new stations on the direct line at Haarajoki and Mäntsälä will have only 12 departures in each direction per day. Jarvenpää commune is currently revising its town plan in the basis of the new information, and is expected to plan new residential areas around Kyrölä station now it knows train services can be improved in future years.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 26.6.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020626KA1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR has ordered 20 additional Sm4 EMUs - primarily for longer-distance local traffic from Helsinki to Riihimäki and Karjaa, and in future to Tampere and Lahti on the new direct line. Deliveries are scheduled for 2004-5 by Italy's Alstom Ferroviaria in a contract worth approx. EUR 110M. Ten SM4s are already in use in short-distance local traffic, as they were funded by the Capital region's transport board (YTV). The type consists of 2 aluminium bodied cars, each with a central low-floor section, giving 184 seats and standing for approx. 100, in total. Maximum speed is 160Km/h, and they have regenerative braking. Passenger features include A/C, wheel-chair and bicycle spaces, info monitors and CCTV. (No new orders of the same type are expected - Ed.)
Source VR-Uutiset, 25.6.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR-Group's profits fell in the first four months of 2002, totalling EUR 1,6M (10,8M), on turnover of EUR 356,6M (364,7M). The reductions were mainly due to lower freight revenues, reduced track maintenance work and an increase in depreciation charges. Investments worth EUR 56,5 were made, mainly in double-deck IC cars, Pendolinos and electric locomotives. Eight additional Pendolinos were ordered during this period.
Freight volumes fell 2%, despite a 5% increase in forestry product transportation - transit traffic from/to Russia was down 3,5%. The number of passenger journeys rose 2% to 18,7M as a result of a 3% increase in traffic in the capital region's transport board (YTV), elsewhere volumes were flat.
Source VR-Uutiset, 13.6.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Bus feeder traffic worked well on Monday the first working day after most direct bus connections to Helsinki were severed or diverted to Leppävaara to feed into the new A-departures stopping at all stations. The local transport boards (VR, YTV, HKL and Espoo) had arranged music, free sweets leaflets and timetables to ease peoples nerves with the transition. (The integrated train/bus timetable was originally scheduled to start in August 2001. Ed.)
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 4.6.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020604KA6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
The Transport & Communications Ministry has suggested Tikkurila as an alternative site for vehicle loading onto car-sleeper trains in the capital region. Car-sleepers will have to transfer away from their city-centre position next to the main railway station as the town plan for the Töölö Bay area no longer includes space for a terminal, as was agreed between the State and Helsinki council in 1986. Until now VR has refused to accept Pasila as a suitable site - even threatening to withdraw car-sleeper services if forced to move, so now the ministry has suggested an alternative site, which from VR's entrenched position is worse than centrally-located Pasila.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 29.5.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020529KA6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
VR and October Railways have discussed starting passenger traffic between Joensuu and Petroskoi. A joint-country traffic working group has finalised its presentation, which calls for Värtsilä station in Russia to be refurbished. Russian rolling stock would be used - one 1st-class and two 2nd-class sleeping cars providing 90 places, with additional stock as required. Departures would leave 16:30 from Joensuu (arr. 07:00) and 22:30 from Petroskoi (arr. 11:00). Each country would use its own locomotives. It is estimated that 10,000 passengers p.a. would make the service profitable.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 24.5.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020524KO5
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
VR-Rata has begun discussions with workers' representatives on workforce lay-offs and redundancies. The reduction on State spending on track maintentance is blamed for the changes. The Rail Administraion Centre (RHK) received EUR143M for replacements last year but only EUR110M this year. Parliament is currently handling budget additions which include EUR17M extra for track maintenance. VR-Rata is RHK's main sub-contractor and employs about 2600 staff.
Source VR-Uutiset, 23.5.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
An EMU working an early morning Riihimäki-Helsinki T-departure hit a large obstacle placed on the track overnight north of Malmi station on Sunday (19.5), when travelling at around 90Km/h. Luckily no one was injured but the train was unable to continue due to the damage which also caused hundreds of litres of hydraulic oil to leak along the trackside needing the help of rescue services. Police are seeking information on the culprits.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 20.5.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020520KA7
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
Helsinki-St. Petersburg trains will transfer by next year from the current Finland Station to the new Lagoda station - next to the Ladozkaja metro station on the east-side of the River Neva (allowing Helsinki-Moskow trains to also stop there? -Ed.) . The more centrally located Finland Station will continue in use for local traffic - including Karelian traffic.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 8.5.2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.11
A Government committee has defended plans to sign a letter of intent between the State and Helsinki council to develop Central Pasila, and allowed its preparation to continue. The State is expected to gain EUR 105M from selling sites currently used by railway marshalling yards, for offices and homes - these receipts will then be used to fund the building of transport connections to Helsinki's planned new harbour at Vuosaari. Transport Minister Kimmo Sasi is satisfied the plans will allow sufficient space for rail traffic to expand if necessary.
Source Transport Ministry, 17.5.2002
Source WWW
http://192.102.44.142/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=lvm/cm/pub/showdoc.p?docid=1735&channeltypeid=&channelid=23&channelitemid=4709&tmplanguageid=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The number of and style of train tickets will be simplified for ease of use, from 14.5 for tickets bought at the station and from 4.6. for those reserved by telephone. The idea is to reduce the number of pages printed to one per passenger per journey instead of the each for each portion of the journey printed at present.
Source VR-uutiset, 10.5.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
A report funded by the Transport Ministry concludes that despite few obstacles, competition for rail freight is unlikely to start as new operators are not attracted to begin operations, mainly due to the high costs of start-up. VR's strong market position means potential customers are more interested to look to strengthen their co-operation with VR than look at alternatives. Currently 26% of freight traffic moves by rail compared to an EU average of 14%, although more is transferring to the roads.
Source Transport Ministry, 18.4.2002
Source WWW
http://192.102.44.142/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=lvm/cm/pub/showdoc.p?docid=1735&channeltypeid=&channelid=23&channelitemid=4644&tmplanguageid=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR's Sm2 EMUs are to be refurbished and given the red-white colour scheme of the Sm1s. Bicycle racks for three bikes will be fitted in one vestibule, flip-down seating areas will be put revised to give pram or wheelchair space, and external door edges will receive sensors to make them re-open automatically if obstructed (e.g. by a hand). Seat and wall materials will have a yellow theme. The first refurbished EMU will be in traffic in May and a decision on refurbishing the other 49 units at a rate of 6-8 per year will follow once experience of the prototype has been gained.
Source VR Matkaan-lehti, 4/2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@mbnet.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
This summer Inter-railers can buy a one-zone card valid for only 12 days (or 22 days). The card costs EUR 169 for 12-25y.o. travellers compered to EUR 365 for an all-zones card. Children and over 25y.o. travellers can also buy their own cards. At present over half the cards sold in Finland are three-zone, or global cards - valid for one month.
Source VR-uutiset, 19.4.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
According to the advocate for the EU's Court of Justice, Finland has neglected to implement the directive concerning high-speed rail traffic. After publication of his settlement proposals the court makes a final decion within a couple of months. The EU Commission raised proceedings against Finland because it believes Finland has not acted quickly enough in fulfilling its requirements towards a compatible high-speed rail network. The directive came into power in October 1996 and national laws should have been adjusted in accordance by April 1999, however Finland has only now brought its bill before parliament. If the new law is put into effect before the court gives a ruling it is hoped the commission will withdraw its case.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 17.4.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020417KO6
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Work on the Tikkurila-Kerava urban railway starts in April. This year piling for the track bed - to the east of the current lines and bridge building will be done. No major disruption of rail traffic is expected this year. The new track arrangements and improved timetable are expected to start from 15.8.2004. The project is valued at EUR 52M.
Source RHK tiedoteet, 16.4.2002
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
According to Justice Minister Johannes Koskinen the government's line is that passenger traffic will not be opened to competition on the current term. He believes safety, personnel security amd economic arguments support the rejection of privatisation efforts. The EUs aspirations to open goods traffic to competion but Koskinen believes Finland should keep a slow pace and emphasise its special situation of long distances and low inhabitation. Tranport Minister Kimmo Sasi demanded rail traffic be opened to competition as quickly as possible, earlier this week.
Source YLE news, 13.4.2002
Source WWW
http://ww2.yle.fi/pls/show/search_common.archivePage?p_id=184704&p_ver=2
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
The confederation of communes foe Eastern Lapland plans to meet Helsinki's councillors in the near future to help secure car-train services to their area, regardless of town planning changes. Helsinki council would like ot move the car-train loading/unloading area from the city centre to Pasila, which VR doesn't believe is a workable solution and has threatened to withdraw the service - it prefers to keep the operations in the city centre and if necesary underground.
Source YLE news, 12.4.2002
Source WWW
http://ww2.yle.fi/pls/show/search_common.archivePage?p_id=184607&p_ver=1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Ticket prices for long-distance and the capital region's zonal traffic change from 1.4.2002 by an average 2,7%. Travel costs by ordinary express train under 75Km rise more than average whereas the same trip by local train and IC train types do not rise at all. For regular travellers season ticket prices rise less than the average. The previous price rise was from 1.1.2001.
Source VR Uutiset, 27.3.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR has ordered an extra 8 Pendolinos from Alstom Ferroviari at a cost of EUR 13,5M per set. VR had an option for a further 15 sets under a deal made in 1997. Deliveries are timed for 2004-2006.
Source VR Uutiset, 26.3.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
VR-Group posted a net profit of EUR 42M in 2001 compared to EUR 51,6M in 2000. The operating profit was EUR 49.0 (65.5) million. Net turnover amounted to EUR 1,150.9 (1,143.0)M. In freight services, the volume of transit freight carried via Finland (mainly to/from Russia) rose 50% on the previous year and totalled 4.0 million tonnes. Traffic between Finland and Russia decreased by 1% to 12.6 million tonnes. Most of this comprised imports of raw timber and petrochemical products from Russia. The volume of freight from Finland to western Europe remained broadly unchanged, approximately one million tonnes. Altogether 41.7M tonnes of freight were carried by rail in Finland last year, the highest annual figure in VR's history. Domestic carryings totalled 24.0 M tonnes and international carryings 17.7M tonnes. Net turnover from freight services was EUR 335.3 (330.3)M.
The number of journeys in commuter traffic in the Helsinki metropolitan region totalled 43.4M, an increase of 1%. Growth amounted to almost 3% in the region administered by the Capital's transport authority - YTV, following completion of new tracks between Helsinki and Leppävaara and the resulting improved services. The number of long-distance journeys decreased 2% to 11.6 million. Journey times remained unchanged in long-distance services and in certain cases, as in eastern Finland, actually increased owing to the quality of the tracks and safety equipment. Passenger traffic between Finland and Russia grew 16% on the previous year, amounting to 240,000 journeys. Travel was particularly lively during the end-of-year season. Altogether 55.0M journeys were made by rail in Finland last year. Net turnover from passenger services totalled EUR 281.6 (274.4)M.
Source VR News, 21.3.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutise.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Commuters travelling from Riihimäki to Helsinki can study English, German and Russian languages on the journey starting from the end of March. Groups will meet once a week for ten weeks on selected trains for instruction from Riihimäki College tutors. The idea came from Germany and it is being trialled for the first time in Finland.
Source VR Matkaan-lehti, 3/2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Passenger traffic between Finland and Russia will be speeded-up from May, when for a trial period Russia begins border and customs formalities during the train journey. The arrangement was agreed during a traffic commission conference in Moscow where one of the main topics was reduced journey times for Finnish-Russian passenger traffic, however no decisive timetable on introducing a three hour Helsinki-St. Petersberg journey was made mainly because of funding problems in both countries.
Source MTV3, uutiset, 27.2.2002
Source WWW
http://scully.mtv3.fi/msc/page_uutishaku?pubid=102446&cat=KOT
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Christmas and New Year's unusually hard freeze caused problems to VR's local traffic, especially to the older Sm1 and Sm2 EMUs. Similar problems became apparent last winter and VR has drawn-up a plan of action to modify braking systems, heating equipment and snow protection for electric motors. The work began last autumn and it is estimated that the majority of the work is complete before next winter.
Source VR, Matkaan-lehti, 1-2/2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
All main lines are now covered by ATC and extension to other lines has now begun. Before 2006 all passenger lines and the important freight lines will be equipped. At present 2463Km are covered, rising to 4552Km from a total network of 5900Km. Track-based infrastructure costs will total EUR 128M from which the final stage will cost EUR 53M.
Source RHK, 15.2.2002
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
The rail administration centre (RHK) has up-dated last spring's rail network development plan as three noticeable schemes - Kerava-Lahti shortcut line, Tikkurila-Kerava urban railway and Oulu-Vartius/Iisalmi electrification, are now included for start-up in this year's State budget. The new first priority is improvement of the Helsinki-St. Petersburg route between Lahti-Luumäki, as well as raising speed limits Seinäjoki-Oulu. Vuosaari harbour line is assumed to be funded from a separate budget.
Source RHK, 12.2.2002
Source WWW
http://www.rhk.fi/tiedotteet/tiedotteet.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
The State and Helsinki city council have held discussions on redeveloping the marshalling yard that divides Pasila for office and housing space. The State plans to invest monies received from the sale of the more valuable land in transport links for (Helsinki's) planned Vuosaari harbour. Both parties have agreed to pay half the EUR 205M of the road and rail transport links and now the Transport Minister hopes parliament will approve the financing strategy. Still have to be clarifed with rail bodies how much of the yard could be parcelled-up for sale, however VR warns that greed may take too much land from railway operations, especially as it has also been used for additional storage for rolling-stock when Ilmala depot is full.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 7.2.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020207KA1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
The seating fabrics in the passenger vehicles withdrawn on 31.1.2002 are being treated with chemicals to allow them to be returned to traffic within a week, before the busy "ski holiday" season. This is a temporary solution until a new batch of suitable fire resistant fabric can be manufactured to re-cover all the affected seats. Replacement will now take place as part of normal servicing.
Source VR uutiset, 7.2.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
Moderate growth in rail transport volumes continued last year. VR's freight carryings increased 3 % and passenger volume 0.5 % compared to the previous year. In freight transport VR Cargo carried 41.7 million tonnes of freight last year, the highest amount in VR's history. Domestic carryings declined slightly to 24 million tonnes and international carryings increased to 17.7 million tonnes. Passenger journeys during the year was roughly 55 million. The increase was due to commuter traffic in Greater Helsinki where the number of journeys in the area administered by the capital region's YTV transport authority increased 3 % to over 43 million. Long-distance journeys decreased 2 % and totalled 11.5 million. The decrease was mainly due to the fact that journey times have remained unchanged in recent years or even lengthened owing to the standard of the track network. Passenger traffic between Finland and Russia increased 16 % on the previous year. The number of journeys in eastern traffic was 240,000.
Source VR News, 5.2.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uuttae.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
VR has had to withdraw one Pendolino and 19 double-decker IC cars as the supplier has used seating fabrics which do not meet international railway fire resistance norms. As a result some IC trains are shorter and Helsinki-Jyväskylä Pendolino traffic is replaced by other stock. The fabric composition in the Finnish-made seats of the withdrawn stock had been changed by its Norwegian supplier to meet stricter environmental rules, which caused it to lose some of its fire resistance. VR aspires to have the mistake rectified by the rolling stock suppliers as soon as possible.
Source VR uutiset, 31.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/news/uutta/uutta.htm
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
Saturday's long-distance trains suffered delays due to strong winds blowing snow into turn-outs. The problem was especially bad in Tampere's station yard which as a major inter-change station even on-time trains were delayed by those running late. Some onward connections were replaced by buses and taxis for some passengers. VR used all available track workers to clear snow with brooms.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 26.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020126KO9
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Helsinki council has accepted proposals agreed with private property developers to have Fish Harbour metro station in use by the end of 2006. Private funding will account for about one third of the EUR 17M costs. Now the council is prepared to take the risk if usage remains low, although after development the station should attract 6000 users per day. The new station will slow journeys from eastern helsinki to the city centre by 1,5 minutes but additional rolling stock will not be needed.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 22.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020122KA1
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
Kupittaa again has a working ticket office from 24.1., after a major fire on Christmas eve damaged all electrical installations at the station. Lifts and escalators are now working and lighting was returned to use on 17.1. Works will be finalised by the end of January.
Source VR-uutiset, 23.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.9
This spring VR's children's cars and IC trains' family compartments and play areas will be stocked with up to 40 of publisher Tammi's storybooks for under school-age children. The range will be reviewed twice per year and will include Finnish, Swedish and international authors. Posters and decals promoting the books' characters will appear in the trains and characters will also be used as backgrounds for renewed child tickets - given out freely last year to 330,000 under 6-year olds on VR.
Source VR-uutiset, 17.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
VR's has extended its 50% train ticket price reductions for ferry passengers to cover Tallink's Estonian hotel packages from Helsinki and also all of Superfast Ferries' sea trips on its route Hango-Rostock. On this route passengers can travel direct to Hanko or to Helsinki and travel by bus for a separate payment.
Source VR-uutiset, 17.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.13
VR changes its Main Line timetable from 2 June to give each train type its own regular departures past the hour from stations on the line northwards from Helsinki. Train types are four - Pendolino, InterCity, Express and Suburban and each will normally stop at the same places en-route. Toijala, Tampere Seinäjoki and Kouvola will be developed further as interchange stations. Overall, the revisions should help passengers to remember the different trains' pricing, timetable and stopping information.
Source VR-uutiset, 17.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.15
Last year 58 level crossing accidents occurred in Finland, around 20% more than 1999 and 12 people died. The rate of accidents per 100 level crossings is far greater in Finland than in the rest of Scandinavia - 0.92 per 100, in Sweden 0.28, and in Norway 0.24, where there are roughly 5000 level crossings as in Finland. The level of warning equipment also varies greatly - in Norway crossings without any warning system do not exist, in Sweden almost half its 9000 crossings are without warning signs compared to a fifth in Finland, although accidents are still far fewer.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 7.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020107KO2
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
The Rail Administration Centre (RHK) has revealed a long-continuing fraud in which the female supervisor of its ticket inspections' payment office is suspected of stealing approximately EUR 50,000 paid by passengers caught without tickets. The fraud was revealed in a routine audit inspection late last year and police were asked to investigate the case after Christmas. A small part of the money has been returned but investigations into the use of the rest of the sum are on-going.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 9.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/arkisto/juttu.asp?id=20020109KO14
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
Helsinki's tram traffic slowed by an average 15 seconds in 2001. The main cause was lower priority given to trams at traffic light-controlled junctions. On average a tram route passes through 40 traffic light-controlled junctions from terminus to terminus.
Source Alue Uuutiset, 9.1.2002
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
VR's passenger information services take a new national telephone number into use on 7.1.2002 when its connection centre in Riihimäki opens. At the same time information numbers for individual stations will be taken out of use. The service is available in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Source VR-uutiset, 4.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.vr.fi/yhtyma/uutis.html
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.7
State rental housing enterprise VVO is buying the complete stock of VR's state-funded rental residences consisting of 82 buildings housing 1961 apartments in 26 locations. VR's Avarra Asunnot Oy housing management company and its 11 staff also transfer to VVO ownership. The major sites are in Hyvinkää, Helsinki, Tampere and Vantaa. Around a quarter continue to be in occupation by railway workers. Rental conditions will continue unchanged. The sale price has not been disclosed but as the pricing of state-funded housing is controlled the figure is believe to be approximately EUR 17M. VR still owns 500 market-funded residences which are under consideration for sale separately as VR is striving to divest in non-core activities. Ex- railway-side residences were earlier transferred to the Rail Administration Centre (RHK) and have been sold-off.
Source Helsingin Sanomat, 4.1.2002
Source WWW
http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20020104TA15
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.26.12
The capital region's local traffic and part of long-distance services suffered delays of up to an hour on Wednesday caused by frozen doors and frozen brakes. All EMUs have not had time to defrost overnight, so all I-departures between Helsinki and Tikkurila are cancelled and shorter trains and overcrowding are expected Thursday morning on local traffic.
Source YLE, 3.1.2002
Source WWW
http://ww2.yle.fi/pls/show/frameUutiset?id=171605
Reported by Keith Dawson
<kmdawson@dlc.fi>
Sent from host 195.74.0.22
18 290 visits Aug 14 2002 - Mar 8 2007. Note that I don't work for VR. Created Tue, Dec 9 1997 Kimmo Kotimäki.