Disturbances in Helsinki commuter train traffic anger passengers

print this

The morning services of the commuter trains on the main rail line between Helsinki and Riihimäki have been delayed on several successive days. For example, the 8 o'clock R-train from Hyvinkää to the capital was 10 to 20 minutes late every day last week.
      In addition, one morning departure that was popular among commuters has been axed entirely, and the trains in service have been running with fewer carriages than normal. Waiting on the platform only to be obliged to stand in a crowded train all the way to work is not a formula for happy commuters. Hence it is not surprising that the passengers are annoyed, and the railway café in Hyvinkää was a hotbed of angry comments on Tuesday morning.
     
The commuters are urging the domestic rail operator VR to take prompt action to improve the situation.
      The delays are embarrassing for VR, as the much-heralded new direct Kerava-Lahti rail line was supposed to bring about an improvement in service quality.
      According to Martti Mäkinen, the Director of VR Group's Corporate Communications, there is not one specific reason for delayed services.
     
"For example, the security and electronic equipment or the rolling stock could have experienced technical failures, or frozen doors or brakes could cause delays", Mäkinen argues. He notes further that the main line between Helsinki and Riihimäki is extremely busy.
      However, Mäkinen does not promise any significant improvement in commuter traffic in the near future.
      In any event, Minister of Transport and Communications Susanna Huovinen (SDP) is to meet with the representatives of VR and the Finnish Rail Administration (RHK) soon, in order to discuss the problems with train services.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Inauguration of new rail line to change nearly all train schedules (1.9.2006)

Links:
  VR website
  The Finnish Rail Administration (RHK)

Helsingin Sanomat