Inauguration of new rail line to change nearly all train schedules

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The inauguration of a direct rail line between Kerava in the Helsinki region, and Lahti will bring faster train connections between Helsinki to Lahti and further to the east of Finland. The knock-on effects will be felt in train schedules around the country.
      Nearly all departure and arrival times are set to change on Sunday. Unaffected will be local services between Helsinki and Kerava.
      Train timetables have been planned so that connecting trains will arrive at junction stations at about the same time.
      The new direct line between Kerava and Lahti will alter arrival times especially at the key eastern junctions of Kouvola and Pieksämäki.
      In addition to the new track, the Finnish rail company VR is taking delivery of new equipment this autumn, and track in different parts of the country has been upgraded. The changes allow for higher speeds and shorter travel times in many areas - not just the east.
     
In addition to reducing travel time between Helsinki and Lahti - to just 48 minutes with some connections - the direct line will bring rail services to more than 100,000 people served by the new line. This will especially benefit commuters living in Mäntsälä.
      Travel times from Helsinki to Kajaani, Kuopio, Mikkeli, and Joensuu will be up to one hour shorter than before.
     
However, not everyone is a winner. Travel time from Ostrobothnia and Tampere to the southeast will increase slightly, as Riihimäki will no longer be the transfer point. Travellers will have to transfer at Tikkurila, closer to Helsinki.
      The faster Pendolino trains will start bypassing both Riihimäki and Hämeenlinna without stopping.
      Night train services to the east are also set to end, and the last train to Lahti from Helsinki will leave earlier than before - 10:22 PM.


Links:
  VR website
  VR News: RAIL SERVICES ON KERAVA-LAHTI DIRECT RAIL LINE START NEXT SUNDAY

Helsingin Sanomat