VR Group: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|State-owned railway company in Finland}} | {{Short description|State-owned railway company in Finland}} | ||
{{about|the Finnish company|the New Zealand-based hotel chain of the same name |Hanmer Springs#Other tourism}} | {{about|the Finnish company|the former rail operator from Victoria, Australia|Victorian Railways|the New Zealand-based hotel chain of the same name |Hanmer Springs#Other tourism}} | ||
{{redirect|Finland's railways|the railway network in Finland|Rail transport in Finland}} | {{redirect|Finland's railways|the railway network in Finland|Rail transport in Finland}} | ||
{{More citations needed|date=October 2025}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} | ||
{{Infobox | {{Infobox company | ||
| | | logo = VR logo green.svg | ||
| logo_size = 100px | |||
| logo_size | | image = Green Finnish Pendolino.JPG | ||
| image_size = 220px | |||
| area_served = {{plainlist| | |||
| image | |||
| image_size | |||
| | |||
* [[Finland]] | * [[Finland]] | ||
* [[Sweden]] | * [[Sweden]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| native_name = {{Lang|fi|VR-Yhtymä Oyj}}/{{lang|sv|VR-Group Abp}} | | native_name = {{Lang|fi|VR-Yhtymä Oyj}}/{{lang|sv|VR-Group Abp}} | ||
| former_name = ''{{lang|fi|Suomen Valtion Rautatiet}}<br>{{lang|fi|Valtionrautatiet}}'' | | former_name = ''{{lang|fi|Suomen Valtion Rautatiet}}<br>{{lang|fi|Valtionrautatiet}}'' | ||
| type = public ({{Lang|fi|[[julkinen osakeyhtiö]]}}) | | type = public ({{Lang|fi|[[julkinen osakeyhtiö]]}}) | ||
| predecessor = State Railways {{small|{{bracket|[[:fi:Valtionrautatiet|fi]]}}}} | |||
| founded = {{plainlist| | |||
* {{start date and age|1862}} | |||
* {{start date and age|1995}} (as a company) | |||
}} | |||
| key_people = Elisa Markula ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | | key_people = Elisa Markula ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | ||
| revenue = | | revenue = | ||
| net_income = €152 million | | net_income = €152 million | ||
| owner = [[Government of Finland]] | | owner = [[Government of Finland]] | ||
| num_employees = 7,500 | | num_employees = 7,500 | ||
| num_employees_year = 2016 | | num_employees_year = 2016 | ||
| | | subsid = {{plainlist| | ||
| | * {{ill|Avecra|fi|Avecra}} | ||
* [[Pohjolan Liikenne]] | |||
* VR FleetCare | |||
* [[VR Sverige]] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| headquarters = [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]] | |||
| website = {{URL|https://vr.fi}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''VR-Group Plc''' ({{langx|fi|VR-Yhtymä Oyj}}, {{langx|sv|VR-Group Abp}}),<ref name="bis_vr">{{cite web |title=VR-Yhtymä Oyj |url=https://tietopalvelu.ytj.fi/yritystiedot.aspx?yavain=831379&tarkiste=17AB0395379DD673FE1EC9891C5B415065617956 |website=Business Information System |publisher=Finnish Patent and Registration Office, Finnish Tax Administration |access-date=24 May 2022 |location=Helsinki}}</ref> commonly known as '''VR''', is a government-owned railway company in [[Finland]]. VR's most important function is the operation of Finland's passenger rail services with 250 long-distance and 800 commuter rail services every day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/vr-group/business-operations/passenger-services/|title=Passenger services|publisher=VR Group|access-date=2018-06-25}}</ref> With 7,500 employees and net sales of €1,251 million in 2017, VR is one of the most significant operators in the Finnish public transport market area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/vr-group/|title=VR Group as a company|publisher=VR Group|access-date=2018-06-25}}</ref> | '''VR-Group Plc''' ({{langx|fi|VR-Yhtymä Oyj}}, {{langx|sv|VR-Group Abp}}),<ref name="bis_vr">{{cite web |title=VR-Yhtymä Oyj |url=https://tietopalvelu.ytj.fi/yritystiedot.aspx?yavain=831379&tarkiste=17AB0395379DD673FE1EC9891C5B415065617956 |website=Business Information System |publisher=Finnish Patent and Registration Office, Finnish Tax Administration |access-date=24 May 2022 |location=Helsinki}}</ref> commonly known as '''VR''', is a government-owned railway company in [[Finland]]. VR's most important function is the operation of Finland's passenger rail services with 250 long-distance and 800 commuter rail services every day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/vr-group/business-operations/passenger-services/|title=Passenger services|publisher=VR Group|access-date=2018-06-25|archive-date=25 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625105145/http://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/vr-group/business-operations/passenger-services/|url-status=dead}}</ref> With 7,500 employees and net sales of €1,251 million in 2017, VR is one of the most significant operators in the Finnish public transport market area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/vr-group/|title=VR Group as a company|publisher=VR Group|access-date=2018-06-25}}</ref> | ||
VR was created in 1995 after being known as {{langx|sv|Finska Statsjärnvägarna}}, [[Finnish language|Finnish:]] Suomen Valtion Rautatiet (Finnish State Railways) from 1862 to 1922, and ''Valtionrautatiet'' ('State Railways', {{langx|sv|Statsjärnvägarna}}) from 1922 to 1995. | VR was created in 1995 after being known as {{langx|sv|Finska Statsjärnvägarna}}, [[Finnish language|Finnish:]] Suomen Valtion Rautatiet (Finnish State Railways) from 1862 to 1922, and ''Valtionrautatiet'' ('State Railways', {{langx|sv|Statsjärnvägarna}}) from 1922 to 1995. | ||
The concern includes subsidiaries Avecra for onboard catering service and [[Pohjolan Liikenne]] for bus traffic. Its headquarters is located at the {{ill|Iso Paja|fi}} building, previously occupied by the state-owned broadcasting company [[Yle]], in northern-central [[Helsinki]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malminen |first=Ulla |date=2015-12-15 |title=VR muuttaa pääkonttorinsa Ylen Isoon Pajaan |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-8529167 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
{{main|History of rail transport in Finland}} | {{main|History of rail transport in Finland}} | ||
Rail transport started in Finland in 1862 between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna | Rail transport started in Finland in 1862 between [[Helsinki]] and [[Hämeenlinna]]. Multiple main lines and smaller private railways were built in the following decades. VR mainly operated on the high-demand main lines. During the twentieth century, most private railway companies were shut down and VR assumed a monopoly in rail transport. In 1995 the company went through a process of [[corporatization]] to become the VR Group. | ||
Since 2010, the maintenance and the construction of the railway network have been the responsibility of the [[Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency]] ({{langx|fi|Väylävirasto}}). The operation and network were originally carried out by the parent company ''Valtionrautatiet'' until 1995, when it was split into VR and the rail administration entity [[Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency#Railway network|Ratahallintokeskus]]. | Since 2010, the maintenance and the construction of the railway network have been the responsibility of the [[Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency]] ({{langx|fi|Väylävirasto}}). The operation and network were originally carried out by the parent company ''Valtionrautatiet'' until 1995, when it was split into VR and the rail administration entity [[Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency#Railway network|Ratahallintokeskus]]. | ||
== | Norwegian company NRC Group bought VR Track (now {{Interlanguage link|NRC Group Finland|fi}}) in 2018 for [[Euro|€]]225 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuukkanen |first=Tatu |date=2018-10-11 |title=Norjalainen NRC Group ostaa VR Trackin – kaupassa muodostuu Pohjoismaiden suurin raideinfrayhtiö |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-10451180 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> In 2023, VR sold its road freight transport division to German investment firm [[Mutares]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tahkokorpi |first=Tuuli |date=2024-11-16 |title=VR myy 80 M€ liiketoimintayksikön Suomesta Saksaan 4700 M€ liikevaihdon sijoitusyhtiölle |url=https://www.tekniikkatalous.fi/uutiset/a/9b15f54f-151c-455a-acf6-4a2d4e7f1abd |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Tekniikka&Talous |language=fi}}</ref> | ||
==Services== | ==Services== | ||
{{ | {{see|Rail transport in Finland}} | ||
Because in most parts of Finland the density of population is low, Finland is not optimally suited for railways. Commuter services are nowadays rare outside the [[Helsinki]] area, but express trains interconnect most cities. As in [[France]], the majority of passenger services are connections to the capital, Helsinki. In the 2010s, VR has made connections faster by reducing stops at minor stations and increasing running speeds with new locomotives and renovated high-speed trains. | Because in most parts of Finland the density of population is low, Finland is not optimally suited for railways. Commuter services are nowadays rare outside the [[Helsinki]] area, but express trains interconnect most cities. As in [[France]], the majority of passenger services are connections to the capital, Helsinki. In the 2010s, VR has made connections faster by reducing stops at minor stations and increasing running speeds with new locomotives and renovated high-speed trains. | ||
[[File:Car loaded on Finnish car transport train.jpg|thumb|right|For motorail services, passengers drive their cars on board the car transport wagons themselves, and then leave the aforementioned wagon on foot to board a passenger wagon.]] | [[File:Car loaded on Finnish car transport train.jpg|thumb|right|For motorail services, passengers drive their cars on board the car transport wagons themselves, and then leave the aforementioned wagon on foot to board a passenger wagon.]] | ||
VR provides [[motorail]] services. Cars can be loaded onto and unloaded from trains at seven stations: [[Helsinki Central Station|Helsinki]], [[Turku Central Station|Turku]] and [[Tampere Central Station|Tampere]] in the south, [[Oulu railway station|Oulu]] further north, and [[Rovaniemi railway station|Rovaniemi]], [[Kemijärvi railway station|Kemijärvi]] and [[Kolari railway station|Kolari]] in [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]]. Car transport trains stop at other stations along the way for normal passenger transport and is available as daily service to Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi and several times a week to Kolari. Finland is the only Nordic country to offer car transport on trains; however, car transport on trains is available in many European countries outside the Nordic countries.<ref>[http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=11316&a=362&l=sv SJ.se - ett Bra Miljöval - Bra att veta], Swedish Railways (SJ.se). Accessed 29 November 2012.</ref> In August 2021 VR began operating the [[Tampere light rail]].<ref>[https://www.metro-report.com/news/news-by-region/europe/single-view/view/vr-group-to-operate-tampere-tramway.html VR Group to operate Tampere tramway] ''[[Metro Report International]]'' 29 April 2019</ref> | VR provides [[motorail]] services. Cars can be loaded onto and unloaded from trains at seven stations: [[Helsinki Central Station|Helsinki]], [[Turku Central Station|Turku]] and [[Tampere Central Station|Tampere]] in the south, [[Oulu railway station|Oulu]] further north, and [[Rovaniemi railway station|Rovaniemi]], [[Kemijärvi railway station|Kemijärvi]] and [[Kolari railway station|Kolari]] in [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]]. Car transport trains stop at other stations along the way for normal passenger transport and is available as daily service to Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi and several times a week to Kolari. Finland is the only Nordic country to offer car transport on trains; however, car transport on trains is available in many European countries outside the Nordic countries.<ref>[http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=11316&a=362&l=sv SJ.se - ett Bra Miljöval - Bra att veta], Swedish Railways (SJ.se). Accessed 29 November 2012.</ref> In August 2021 VR began operating the [[Tampere light rail]].<ref>[https://www.metro-report.com/news/news-by-region/europe/single-view/view/vr-group-to-operate-tampere-tramway.html VR Group to operate Tampere tramway] ''[[Metro Report International]]'' 29 April 2019</ref> | ||
===Commuter rail=== | ===Commuter rail=== | ||
{{main|Helsinki commuter rail}} | {{main|Helsinki commuter rail|VR commuter rail}} | ||
VR operates the commuter traffic in the Helsinki area on behalf of [[Helsinki Regional Transport Authority|HSL]] and [[VR commuter rail|its own commuter rail services]] in southern [[Finland]]. | VR operates the commuter traffic in the Helsinki area on behalf of [[Helsinki Regional Transport Authority|HSL]] and [[VR commuter rail|its own commuter rail services]] in southern [[Finland]]. | ||
===International services=== | ===International services=== | ||
[[File:Torne River railway bridge 20140503.JPG|thumb|left|Railway bridge connecting the Finnish Tornio with Swedish Haparanda.]] | [[File:Torne River railway bridge 20140503.JPG|thumb|left|Railway bridge connecting the Finnish Tornio with Swedish Haparanda.]] | ||
Before the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], VR operated jointly with [[Russian Railways]] a passenger rail service named [[Allegro (train)|Allegro]] between Helsinki and [[Saint Petersburg]]. However due to [[International sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine|sanctions imposed on Russia]] as a result of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], all passenger rail traffic between Finland and Russia has been suspended in March 2022, and the rolling stock has since been parked. These trains were in late 2023 taken over by VR, and will re-enter service in Finnish domestic traffic in late 2025.<ref>[https://svenska.yle.fi/a/7-10047371 Allegrotågen tas i bruk för inrikestrafik år 2025 – har stått stilla en längre tid]</ref> | |||
The railway line from Finland to [[Haparanda]], [[Sweden]] over the [[Torne River Railway Bridge]] was electrified by 2025. VR has proposed re-instating passenger service to Haparanda assuming a [[subsidy]] for the service is given, but that was not included in the Finnish 2026 [[Government budget|budget]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Virranniemi |first=Juhana |date=2025-09-07 |title=Ei vieläkään henkilöjunaliikennettä Haaparannalle – Torniossa petyttiin budjettiriihen päätökseen |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20181501 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> VR's predecessor previously terminated its traffic to Haparanda in 1988, and the [[Swedish State Railways]] withdrew its traffic from [[Luleå]], Sweden to [[Tornio]], Finland in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kukko-Liedes |first=Pirkko |date=2021-03-28 |title=Junamatka Suomen ja Ruotsin välillä on askeleen lähempänä, kun Haaparannalta avautuu yhteys Ruotsin kaukojuniin |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11849956 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> | |||
===Freight=== | |||
[[File:Taimn-t enrichment wagons (2).jpg|thumb|VR freight wagons]] | |||
In 2025, VR had a market share of 87% of the rail freight in Finland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oinaala |first=Sampsa |date=2025-04-13 |title=Suomessa aloittaa pian uusi junaoperaattori – ”Kilpailusta hyötyvät kaikki” |url=https://www.hs.fi/talous/art-2000011154956.html |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}</ref> | |||
VR terminated its international freight operations over the Russian border following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peiponen |first=Pasi |date=2024-03-21 |title=Suomalaisyhtiö tekee valtavaa bisnestä venäläisten kanssa – ”Olemme mukana isänmaallisessa työssä” |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20079903 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> Freight traffic to Sweden usually does not continue further than [[Tornio]] by rail due to differences in the [[track gauge]] between the two countries, although a possibility to exchange bogies exists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-27 |title=Passenger rail between Finland and Sweden could start in late 2025 |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20139590 |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Yle News |language=en}}</ref> [[Train ferry]] connections from [[Turku]] to [[Stockholm]], Sweden via VR's former subsidiary [[SeaRail]] were terminated at the end of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-10-07 |title=Junakuljetukset Turusta Tukholmaan loppuvat |url=https://www.is.fi/taloussanomat/art-2000001727645.html |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Ilta-Sanomat |language=fi}}</ref> | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
| Line 92: | Line 82: | ||
=== Locomotives === | === Locomotives === | ||
{{main|List of Finnish locomotives}} | {{main|List of Finnish locomotives}} | ||
As of 2025, the company operates three classes of [[electric locomotive]]s ([[VR Class Sr1|Sr1]], [[VR Class Sr2|Sr2]] and [[VR Class Sr3|Sr3]]) and four classes of [[diesel locomotive]]s ([[VR Class Dv12|Dv12]], [[VR Class Dr14|Dr14]], [[VR Class Dr16|Dr16]] and [[Dr19]]). The use of diesel locomotive hauled passenger trains has declined due to electrification of all main lines and the (re)introduction of railbuses ([[VR Class Dm12|Dm12]]) on secondary routes. | |||
On | On 20 December 2013, VR announced plans to purchase 80 new electric locomotives, with 97 options. The upcoming [[VR Class Sr3|Sr3]] will be based on the [[Vectron (locomotive)|Vectron]] and will replace the aging Sr1. The locomotives will be fitted with helper diesel engines that can be used for shunting in partly unelectrified railyards. Deliveries will occur between 2017 and 2026.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vrgroup.fi/fi/vakiolinkit/VR-konsernitiedottaa/news_20131220114054.html | title = VR Group tilaa uudet sähköveturit Siemensiltä | date = 20 December 2013 | access-date = 22 December 2013 | publisher = VR Group | language = fi | archive-date = 24 December 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110808/http://www.vrgroup.fi/fi/vakiolinkit/VR-konsernitiedottaa/news_20131220114054.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://yle.fi/uutiset/sahkokatko_ei_pysayta_vrn_uusia_sahkovetureita__apumoottoreina_dieselkoneet/6997094 | title = Sähkökatko ei pysäytä VR:n uusia sähkövetureita – apumoottoreina dieselkoneet | first = Jarmo | last = Koponen | date = 20 December 2013 | access-date = 22 December 2013 | work = [[Yle]] | language = fi }}</ref> | ||
VR has purchased 60 [[VR Class Dr19|Dr19]] locomotives from [[Stadler Rail Valencia SAU|Stadler Rail Valencia]] which will be delivered by the end of 2026.<ref name=":0" /> The Dr19 order will allow the company to retire its Dr16 locomotives by the end of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rytkönen |first=Eelis |date=July 29, 2025 |title=Onko tässä Suomen kovaonnisin veturi? Palanut jo neljä kertaa |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20174856 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> | |||
The | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ Locomotive types in use by the VR | ||
! Class || No. in use || Years of manufacture || Max. speed || Power type || Notes | ! Class || No. in use || Years of manufacture || Max. speed || Power type || Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sr1|Sr1]]''' ||align="Center" | 109 ||align="Center" | 1973–85 ( | | '''[[VR Class Sr1|Sr1]]''' ||align="Center" | 109 ||align="Center" | 1973–85, 1993 (1994) || 140 km/h || Electric || Some originally had a maximum speed of 160 km/h | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sr2|Sr2]]''' ||align="Center" | 46 ||align="Center" | 1995–2003 || 210 km/h || Electric | | '''[[VR Class Sr2|Sr2]]''' ||align="Center" | 46 ||align="Center" | 1995–2003 || 210 km/h || Electric | ||
| Line 133: | Line 98: | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sr3|Sr3]]''' ||align="Center" | 42 || align="Center" | 2016– || 200 km/h || Electric | | '''[[VR Class Sr3|Sr3]]''' ||align="Center" | 42 || align="Center" | 2016– || 200 km/h || Electric | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Dv12|Dv12]]''' ||align="Center" | | | '''[[VR Class Dv12|Dv12]]''' ||align="Center" | 64 || align="Center" | 1963–84 || 125 km/h || Diesel-hydraulic || Pre-1976 classes: Sv12 and Sr12 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Dr16|Dr16]]''' ||align="Center" | 18 ||align="Center" | 1985–92 || 140 km/h || Diesel-electric || 3-phase AC inverter drive | | '''[[VR Class Dr16|Dr16]]''' ||align="Center" | 18 ||align="Center" | 1985–92 || 140 km/h || Diesel-electric || 3-phase AC inverter drive | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Dr19|Dr19]]''' ||align="Center" | 60 (on order)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jäärni |first=Clarissa |date=2022-02-09 |title=Täysin Suomen oloihin tehty dieselveturi saatiin testiin Tampereelle – tällainen on nappeja myöten kuljettajien kanssa suunniteltu investointi |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-12309655 |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref> ||align="Center" | 2022–26 || || || | | '''[[VR Class Dr19|Dr19]]''' ||align="Center" | 60 (on order)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Jäärni |first=Clarissa |date=2022-02-09 |title=Täysin Suomen oloihin tehty dieselveturi saatiin testiin Tampereelle – tällainen on nappeja myöten kuljettajien kanssa suunniteltu investointi |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-12309655 |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}</ref>|| align="Center" | 2022–26 || 120 km/h|| Diesel-electric|| | ||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ Notable locomotive types formerly used by VR | ||
! Class | ! Class || Years in use || Wheel arrangement || Max. speed || Power type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class | | '''[[VR Class Dr13|Dr13]]''' (Hr13) || align="Center" | 1962–2000 ||align="Center" | [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]] || 140 km/h || Diesel | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class | | '''[[VR Class Dr14|Dr14]]''' || align="Center" | 1968-2024 || align="Center" | [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]] || 90 km/h || Diesel | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Carriages=== | ===Carriages=== | ||
[[File:VR Edo 28603 Pasila 2013-08-12.JPG|thumb|right|Class Edo [[Control car (rail)|control car]]s | [[File:VR Edo 28603 Pasila 2013-08-12.JPG|thumb|right|Class Edo [[Control car (rail)|control car]]s seen at [[Pasila railway station]].]] | ||
[[File:InterCity2 - passenger car interior.jpg|thumb|right|Interior view of the top deck of a VR | [[File:InterCity2 - passenger car interior.jpg|thumb|right|Interior view of the top deck of a VR InterCity double-deck carriage.]] | ||
The wide Finnish [[loading gauge]] allows the passenger coaches to be considerably wider than most European passenger coaches. The aisle and seats are wider than in other European trains in the standard 2+2 configuration, and in commuter traffic 3+2 seat configuration is used to allow more seats for the same train length. | |||
Double-deck InterCity carriages are the common coaches in the long-distance trains and the mainstay of VR's network. There are several variants, including coaches with first class service, family-friendly coaches and coaches with bike as baggage capability. The coaches are built in Finland by [[Transtech]] and have a top speed of 200 km/h. | |||
[[VR blue carriages|"Blue" carriages]], as they are popularly known as such due to their blue and light gray liveries, are used on night express trains from Helsinki to Kolari and Kemijärvi. Top speed is 140 or 160 km/h. On the "Blue" carriages, first class used to be distinguished by a yellow stripe above the windows and [[dining car|restaurant cars]] by a red stripe. Cars equipped with diesel generators, which are used to provide electricity to InterCity or sleeper wagons on non-electrified tracks, can be distinguished by a blue stripe above the windows. | |||
On the "Blue" carriages, first class used to be distinguished by a yellow stripe above the windows and [[dining car|restaurant cars]] by a red stripe. Cars equipped with diesel generators, which are used to provide electricity to InterCity or sleeper wagons on non-electrified tracks, can be distinguished by a blue stripe above the windows. | |||
====Sleeper cars==== | ====Sleeper cars==== | ||
| Line 181: | Line 128: | ||
VR operates [[sleeping car|sleeper]] services between Helsinki/Turku and [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]], which also include car-carrying ([[motorail]]) wagons. Double-deck sleeping carriages (including rooms with ''en suite'' showers and toilets) were introduced on the Helsinki–[[Rovaniemi]] service in the 2000s. These wagons are painted in a green-and-white livery similar to the InterCity coaches. Since 2016, the new coaches have begun to replace the blue carriages even on the way to Kolari. | VR operates [[sleeping car|sleeper]] services between Helsinki/Turku and [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]], which also include car-carrying ([[motorail]]) wagons. Double-deck sleeping carriages (including rooms with ''en suite'' showers and toilets) were introduced on the Helsinki–[[Rovaniemi]] service in the 2000s. These wagons are painted in a green-and-white livery similar to the InterCity coaches. Since 2016, the new coaches have begun to replace the blue carriages even on the way to Kolari. | ||
Electrification extends from [[Oulu]] northwards to Kemijärvi.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electrification of the railway between Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi|url=http://portal.liikennevirasto.fi/sivu/www/e/projects/under_construction/rovaniemikemijarvi|publisher=Finnish Transport Agency|access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> In 2006, direct sleeper services were discontinued beyond Rovaniemi (to [[Kemijärvi]]) because the new double-deck sleeping carriages were unable to operate with diesel haulage. The sleeper service to Kemijärvi was restarted in March 2008, by adding to the train in Rovaniemi a new diesel generator car supplying 1 | Electrification extends from [[Oulu]] northwards to Kemijärvi.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electrification of the railway between Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi|url=http://portal.liikennevirasto.fi/sivu/www/e/projects/under_construction/rovaniemikemijarvi|publisher=Finnish Transport Agency|access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> In 2006, direct sleeper services were discontinued beyond Rovaniemi (to [[Kemijärvi]]) because the new double-deck sleeping carriages were unable to operate with diesel haulage. The sleeper service to Kemijärvi was restarted in March 2008, by adding to the train in Rovaniemi a new diesel generator car supplying 1,500 V electricity for the sleeper cars between Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi; this setup was continued in use until the electrification extension to Kemijärvi was completed at the end of 2013. Sleeper services between Turku and Joensuu and Helsinki and Kajaani were withdrawn in 2006, but with the new direct line between [[Lahti]] and [[Kerava]], the daytime services were made quicker. | ||
On 12 January 2009, VR announced they had requested tenders for the purchase of 20 new sleeping cars, valued at €60–70 million. The two bidders interested were Alstom, which manufactures the Pendolino and some commuter trains for VR, and Finnish Transtech, which manufactured VR's new sleeping cars. The decision led to the resignation of the President and CEO of VR-Group, Henri Kuitunen, and the group's Chairman of the Board, Antti Lagerroos. Helsingin Sanomat reported they had wanted to defer the replacement of older sleeping car rolling stock until 2012 at the earliest. However, the decision went ahead because VR is a state owned business and there was pressure to seek orders from Finnish Transtech, which is currently struggling due to market downturns, in order to secure jobs.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Transtech+and+Alstom+interested+in+construction+of+rail+carriages+for+Finnish+Railways/1135242670135| title=Transtech and Alstom interested in construction of rail carriages for Finnish Railways | work=Helsingin Sanomat| date= 12 January 2009}}</ref> | On 12 January 2009, VR announced they had requested tenders for the purchase of 20 new sleeping cars, valued at €60–70 million. The two bidders interested were Alstom, which manufactures the Pendolino and some commuter trains for VR, and Finnish Transtech, which manufactured VR's new sleeping cars. The decision led to the resignation of the President and CEO of VR-Group, Henri Kuitunen, and the group's Chairman of the Board, Antti Lagerroos. Helsingin Sanomat reported they had wanted to defer the replacement of older sleeping car rolling stock until 2012 at the earliest. However, the decision went ahead because VR is a state owned business and there was pressure to seek orders from Finnish Transtech, which is currently struggling due to market downturns, in order to secure jobs.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Transtech+and+Alstom+interested+in+construction+of+rail+carriages+for+Finnish+Railways/1135242670135| title=Transtech and Alstom interested in construction of rail carriages for Finnish Railways | work=Helsingin Sanomat| date= 12 January 2009}}</ref> | ||
| Line 187: | Line 134: | ||
===Freight wagons=== | ===Freight wagons=== | ||
The Finnish loading gauge allows the operation of freight vehicles considerably larger than most other railways in the European Union. Road trailers (often of VR's subsidiary Transpoint) can be easily accommodated on ordinary flat wagons. Much of the freight on the VR network is carried from Russia in Russian wagons, including large capacity eight-axle oil tank wagons. | The Finnish loading gauge allows the operation of freight vehicles considerably larger than most other railways in the European Union. Road trailers (often of VR's subsidiary Transpoint) can be easily accommodated on ordinary flat wagons. Much of the freight on the VR network is carried from Russia in Russian wagons, including large capacity eight-axle oil tank wagons. | ||
===Multiple units=== | ===Multiple units=== | ||
[[File:VR Sm4 6422 Helsinki.JPG|thumb|right|VR class Sm4 EMU at [[Helsinki railway station]].]] | [[File:VR Sm4 6422 Helsinki.JPG|thumb|right|VR class Sm4 EMU at [[Helsinki railway station]].]] | ||
[[File:Sm5 Riihimäki.JPG|thumb|right|JKOY class Sm5 local train at [[Riihimäki railway station|Riihimäki]].]] | [[File:Sm5 Riihimäki.JPG|thumb|right|JKOY class Sm5 local train at [[Riihimäki railway station|Riihimäki]].]] | ||
The [[VR Class Sm3|Sm3 class Pendolino]] is the VR's "flagship", mainly connecting largest cities to the capital with top running speed up to 220 km/h. Other [[Electric multiple unit|EMUs]] in use are the [[VR Class Sm2|Sm2]] and [[VR Class Sm4|Sm4]] on [[VR commuter rail|commuter rail services]]. In addition, VR operates Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy -owned [[JKOY Class Sm5|Sm5]] class EMUs in [[Helsinki commuter rail|Helsinki local traffic]]. | The [[VR Class Sm3|Sm3 class Pendolino]] is the VR's "flagship", mainly connecting largest cities to the capital with top running speed up to 220 km/h. Other [[Electric multiple unit|EMUs]] in use are the [[VR Class Sm2|Sm2]] and [[VR Class Sm4|Sm4]] on [[VR commuter rail|commuter rail services]]. In addition, VR operates Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy -owned [[JKOY Class Sm5|Sm5]] class EMUs in [[Helsinki commuter rail|Helsinki local traffic]]. | ||
| Line 199: | Line 143: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Multiple units in use by | |+ Multiple units in use by VR | ||
! Class || No. in use || Years of manufacture || Max. speed || Notes | ! Class || No. in use || Years of manufacture || Max. speed || Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sm2|Sm2]]''' | |'''[[VR Class Sm2|Sm2]]''' | ||
| align="Center" |50 | |||
| align="Center" |1975-81 | |||
|120 km/h | |||
|EMU consists of an Sm2 car and Eio class car | |||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sm3|Sm3]]''' ||align="Center" | 18 sets ||align="Center" | 1992–2006 || 220 km/h || Tilting high-speed [[Pendolino]] train. Runs on domestic routes. | | '''[[VR Class Sm3|Sm3]]''' ||align="Center" | 18 sets ||align="Center" | 1992–2006 || 220 km/h || Tilting high-speed [[Pendolino]] train. Runs on domestic routes. | ||
| Line 208: | Line 156: | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sm4|Sm4]]''' ||align="Center" | 60 (30 sets) ||align="Center" | 1998–2005 || 160 km/h || EMU consists of two Sm4 units | | '''[[VR Class Sm4|Sm4]]''' ||align="Center" | 60 (30 sets) ||align="Center" | 1998–2005 || 160 km/h || EMU consists of two Sm4 units | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[JKOY Class Sm5|Sm5]]''' ||align="Center" |81|| align="Center" | | | '''[[JKOY Class Sm5|Sm5]]''' ||align="Center" |81|| align="Center" |2009–2017 | ||
| 160 km/h || EMU consists of one four-section Sm5 unit. Sm5 units are owned by [[Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy]] and are operated by VR on [[Helsinki Commuter Rail]] services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://raitio.org/news/uutis08/sm5.pdf |title=Electric low-floor multiple unit FLIRT: Sm5 trains for Junakalusto Oy, Finland |access-date=12 November 2008 |publisher=Stadler Rail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727200636/http://raitio.org/news/uutis08/sm5.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | | 160 km/h || EMU consists of one four-section Sm5 unit. Sm5 units are owned by [[Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy]] and are operated by VR on [[Helsinki Commuter Rail]] services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://raitio.org/news/uutis08/sm5.pdf |title=Electric low-floor multiple unit FLIRT: Sm5 trains for Junakalusto Oy, Finland |access-date=12 November 2008 |publisher=Stadler Rail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727200636/http://raitio.org/news/uutis08/sm5.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
|'''[[VR Class Sm6|Sm6]]''' | |||
| align="Center" |4 | |||
| align="Center" |2010–11 | |||
|220 km/h | |||
|Former [[Allegro (train)|''Allegro'']] train, a tilting high-speed [[Pendolino]] train. Re-introduced into long-distance service in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-14 |title=Allegro trains to be deployed in VR's domestic long-distance traffic from 2025 |url=https://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/news/allegro-trains-to-be-deployed-in-vr-s-domestic-long-distance-traffic-from-2025-141220230921/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=VR Group |language=en}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Dm12|Dm12]]''' ||align="Center" | 16 ||align="Center" | 2004–06 || 120 km/h || Single carriage diesel units | | '''[[VR Class Dm12|Dm12]]''' ||align="Center" | 16 ||align="Center" | 2004–06 || 120 km/h || Single carriage diesel units | ||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Former multiple units used by | |+Future multiple units ordered by VR | ||
!Class | |||
!No. ordered | |||
!Year of introduction | |||
!Max. speed | |||
!Notes | |||
|- | |||
|'''[[VR Class Sm7|Sm7]]''' | |||
|20 (+50 options) | |||
|2026 | |||
|160 km/h | |||
|EMU consists of one four-section Sm7 unit. | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+ Former multiple units used by VR | |||
! Class || Total count || Years of manufacture || Withdrawn from service || Max. speed || Notes | ! Class || Total count || Years of manufacture || Withdrawn from service || Max. speed || Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''[[VR Class Sm1|Sm1]]''' ||align="Center" | 50 ||align="Center" | 1968–73 || | | '''[[VR Class Sm1|Sm1]]''' || align="Center" | 50 || align="Center" | 1968–73 || 2017 || 120 km/h || EMU consists of an Sm1 car and an Eio class car | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== | == Subsidiaries == | ||
== | === VR Sverige === | ||
{{Main|VR Sverige}} | |||
In July 2022, VR Group established operations in [[Sweden]] by acquiring [[Arriva|Arriva Sverige AB]] from the German state-owned company [[Deutsche Bahn]]. As part of this acquisition, which was finalised on 1st July 2022, VR Group gained control over extensive local and regional public transportation operations, including bus, tram and train services in [[Stockholm County|Stockholm]], [[Östergötland County|Östergötland]], and [[Skåne County|Skåne]], including [[Skånetrafiken|Skånetrafiken's]] [[Pågatågen|Pågatåg]]. This acquisition brought approximately 2,300<ref>{{Cite web |title=Om VR Sverige |url=https://www.vrsverige.com/om-vr-sverige/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=VR Sverige |language=sv-SE}}</ref> employees into the VR Group. The acquired operations include 740 buses, 180 trains, and 70 trams, facilitating around 58 million bus journeys and 54 million train journeys annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VR Group to expand operations in Sweden with Arriva Sverige acquisition |url=https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/134486/vr-group-aquisition-arriva-sverige/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Intelligent Transport |language=en}}</ref> | In July 2022, VR Group established operations in [[Sweden]] by acquiring [[Arriva|Arriva Sverige AB]] from the German state-owned company [[Deutsche Bahn]]. As part of this acquisition, which was finalised on 1st July 2022, VR Group gained control over extensive local and regional public transportation operations, including bus, tram and train services in [[Stockholm County|Stockholm]], [[Östergötland County|Östergötland]], and [[Skåne County|Skåne]], including [[Skånetrafiken|Skånetrafiken's]] [[Pågatågen|Pågatåg]]. This acquisition brought approximately 2,300<ref>{{Cite web |title=Om VR Sverige |url=https://www.vrsverige.com/om-vr-sverige/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=VR Sverige |language=sv-SE}}</ref> employees into the VR Group. The acquired operations include 740 buses, 180 trains, and 70 trams, facilitating around 58 million bus journeys and 54 million train journeys annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VR Group to expand operations in Sweden with Arriva Sverige acquisition |url=https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/134486/vr-group-aquisition-arriva-sverige/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Intelligent Transport |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Following the acquisition, Arriva Sverige was rebranded as | Following the acquisition, Arriva Sverige was rebranded as VR Sverige and operates under the VR Group brand. Since 2022, VR has grown in Sweden with contracts that include train services in regions like [[Bergslagen]] and [[Gävleborg County|Gävleborg]]. VR Sverige also secured a 10-year contract to operate bus services for [[Storstockholms Lokaltrafik|SL]] in [[Tyresö Municipality|Tyresö, Stockholm]], beginning in July 2025. This contract is valued at approximately €215 million and involves around 190 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=VR fortsätter expandera i Sverige – tar över busslinjer i Stockholm |url=https://www.hbl.fi/2024-05-02/vr-fortsatter-expandera-i-sverige-tar-over-busslinjer-i-stockholm/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Hufvudstadsbladet |language=sv}}</ref> | ||
In addition to the purchase of Arriva Sweden, VR Group has also strengthened its presence in the Swedish rail market through the acquisition of [[VR Sverige|MTRX]], a high-speed train operator on the Stockholm-Gothenburg route. Acquired in 2024, MTRX was rebranded as [[VR Sverige|VR Snabbtåg Sverige]] and became part of VR Group’s long-distance operations. The MTRX acquisition included six [[Stadler FLIRT|Stadler Flirt]] X74 EMUs, which operate over 120 weekly services on the route.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=VR Group concludes its acquisition in Sweden – MTRX becomes VR |url=https://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/news/vr-group-concludes-its-acquisition-in-sweden-mtrx-becomes-vr/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=VR Group |language=en}}</ref><gallery> | In addition to the purchase of Arriva Sweden, VR Group has also strengthened its presence in the Swedish rail market through the acquisition of [[VR Sverige|MTRX]], a high-speed train operator on the Stockholm-Gothenburg route. Acquired in 2024, MTRX was rebranded as [[VR Sverige|VR Snabbtåg Sverige]] and became part of VR Group’s long-distance operations. The MTRX acquisition included six [[Stadler FLIRT|Stadler Flirt]] X74 EMUs, which operate over 120 weekly services on the route.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=VR Group concludes its acquisition in Sweden – MTRX becomes VR |url=https://www.vrgroup.fi/en/vrgroup/news/vr-group-concludes-its-acquisition-in-sweden-mtrx-becomes-vr/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=VR Group |language=en}}</ref><gallery> | ||
| Line 250: | Line 214: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| Line 259: | Line 220: | ||
*[https://www.vrgroup.fi/ VR Group] | *[https://www.vrgroup.fi/ VR Group] | ||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070807203253/http://www.rhk.fi/in_english/ Finnish Rail Administration] | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070807203253/http://www.rhk.fi/in_english/ Finnish Rail Administration] | ||
*[http://www.dlc.fi/~srhs/srhseng.htm Finnish Railway History Society] | *[http://www.dlc.fi/~srhs/srhseng.htm Finnish Railway History Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214008/http://www.dlc.fi/~srhs/srhseng.htm |date=27 September 2007 }} | ||
*[http://www.rautatie.org Finnish Railway Museum] | *[http://www.rautatie.org Finnish Railway Museum] | ||
*[http://www.kotimaki.com/rautatie/ Railway page for Finland (maintained by Kimmo Kotimäki)] | *[http://www.kotimaki.com/rautatie/ Railway page for Finland (maintained by Kimmo Kotimäki)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221031902/http://www.kotimaki.com/rautatie/ |date=21 December 2016 }} | ||
*[http://www.transtech.fi Transtech Oy (Finnish rolling stock manufacturer, formerly Talgo Oy)] | *[http://www.transtech.fi Transtech Oy (Finnish rolling stock manufacturer, formerly Talgo Oy)] | ||
*[http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/finland01.htm Steam Locomotives in Finland Including the Finnish Railway Museum] | *[http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/finland01.htm Steam Locomotives in Finland Including the Finnish Railway Museum] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:02, 10 November 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:More citations needed Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". VR-Group Plc (Template:Langx, Template:Langx),[1] commonly known as VR, is a government-owned railway company in Finland. VR's most important function is the operation of Finland's passenger rail services with 250 long-distance and 800 commuter rail services every day.[2] With 7,500 employees and net sales of €1,251 million in 2017, VR is one of the most significant operators in the Finnish public transport market area.[3]
VR was created in 1995 after being known as Template:Langx, Finnish: Suomen Valtion Rautatiet (Finnish State Railways) from 1862 to 1922, and Valtionrautatiet ('State Railways', Template:Langx) from 1922 to 1995.
The concern includes subsidiaries Avecra for onboard catering service and Pohjolan Liikenne for bus traffic. Its headquarters is located at the Template:Ill building, previously occupied by the state-owned broadcasting company Yle, in northern-central Helsinki.[4]
History
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Rail transport started in Finland in 1862 between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna. Multiple main lines and smaller private railways were built in the following decades. VR mainly operated on the high-demand main lines. During the twentieth century, most private railway companies were shut down and VR assumed a monopoly in rail transport. In 1995 the company went through a process of corporatization to become the VR Group.
Since 2010, the maintenance and the construction of the railway network have been the responsibility of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Template:Langx). The operation and network were originally carried out by the parent company Valtionrautatiet until 1995, when it was split into VR and the rail administration entity Ratahallintokeskus.
Norwegian company NRC Group bought VR Track (now Template:Interlanguage link) in 2018 for €225 million.[5] In 2023, VR sold its road freight transport division to German investment firm Mutares.[6]
Services
Template:See Because in most parts of Finland the density of population is low, Finland is not optimally suited for railways. Commuter services are nowadays rare outside the Helsinki area, but express trains interconnect most cities. As in France, the majority of passenger services are connections to the capital, Helsinki. In the 2010s, VR has made connections faster by reducing stops at minor stations and increasing running speeds with new locomotives and renovated high-speed trains.
VR provides motorail services. Cars can be loaded onto and unloaded from trains at seven stations: Helsinki, Turku and Tampere in the south, Oulu further north, and Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi and Kolari in Lapland. Car transport trains stop at other stations along the way for normal passenger transport and is available as daily service to Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi and several times a week to Kolari. Finland is the only Nordic country to offer car transport on trains; however, car transport on trains is available in many European countries outside the Nordic countries.[7] In August 2021 VR began operating the Tampere light rail.[8]
Commuter rail
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". VR operates the commuter traffic in the Helsinki area on behalf of HSL and its own commuter rail services in southern Finland.
International services
Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, VR operated jointly with Russian Railways a passenger rail service named Allegro between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg. However due to sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all passenger rail traffic between Finland and Russia has been suspended in March 2022, and the rolling stock has since been parked. These trains were in late 2023 taken over by VR, and will re-enter service in Finnish domestic traffic in late 2025.[9]
The railway line from Finland to Haparanda, Sweden over the Torne River Railway Bridge was electrified by 2025. VR has proposed re-instating passenger service to Haparanda assuming a subsidy for the service is given, but that was not included in the Finnish 2026 budget.[10] VR's predecessor previously terminated its traffic to Haparanda in 1988, and the Swedish State Railways withdrew its traffic from Luleå, Sweden to Tornio, Finland in 1992.[11]
Freight
In 2025, VR had a market share of 87% of the rail freight in Finland.[12]
VR terminated its international freight operations over the Russian border following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[13] Freight traffic to Sweden usually does not continue further than Tornio by rail due to differences in the track gauge between the two countries, although a possibility to exchange bogies exists.[14] Train ferry connections from Turku to Stockholm, Sweden via VR's former subsidiary SeaRail were terminated at the end of 2011.[15]
Rolling stock
Locomotives
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". As of 2025, the company operates three classes of electric locomotives (Sr1, Sr2 and Sr3) and four classes of diesel locomotives (Dv12, Dr14, Dr16 and Dr19). The use of diesel locomotive hauled passenger trains has declined due to electrification of all main lines and the (re)introduction of railbuses (Dm12) on secondary routes.
On 20 December 2013, VR announced plans to purchase 80 new electric locomotives, with 97 options. The upcoming Sr3 will be based on the Vectron and will replace the aging Sr1. The locomotives will be fitted with helper diesel engines that can be used for shunting in partly unelectrified railyards. Deliveries will occur between 2017 and 2026.[16][17]
VR has purchased 60 Dr19 locomotives from Stadler Rail Valencia which will be delivered by the end of 2026.[18] The Dr19 order will allow the company to retire its Dr16 locomotives by the end of 2025.[19]
| Class | No. in use | Years of manufacture | Max. speed | Power type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sr1 | 109 | 1973–85, 1993 (1994) | 140 km/h | Electric | Some originally had a maximum speed of 160 km/h |
| Sr2 | 46 | 1995–2003 | 210 km/h | Electric | |
| Sr3 | 42 | 2016– | 200 km/h | Electric | |
| Dv12 | 64 | 1963–84 | 125 km/h | Diesel-hydraulic | Pre-1976 classes: Sv12 and Sr12 |
| Dr16 | 18 | 1985–92 | 140 km/h | Diesel-electric | 3-phase AC inverter drive |
| Dr19 | 60 (on order)[18] | 2022–26 | 120 km/h | Diesel-electric |
| Class | Years in use | Wheel arrangement | Max. speed | Power type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr13 (Hr13) | 1962–2000 | Co-Co | 140 km/h | Diesel |
| Dr14 | 1968-2024 | Co-Co | 90 km/h | Diesel |
Carriages
The wide Finnish loading gauge allows the passenger coaches to be considerably wider than most European passenger coaches. The aisle and seats are wider than in other European trains in the standard 2+2 configuration, and in commuter traffic 3+2 seat configuration is used to allow more seats for the same train length.
Double-deck InterCity carriages are the common coaches in the long-distance trains and the mainstay of VR's network. There are several variants, including coaches with first class service, family-friendly coaches and coaches with bike as baggage capability. The coaches are built in Finland by Transtech and have a top speed of 200 km/h.
"Blue" carriages, as they are popularly known as such due to their blue and light gray liveries, are used on night express trains from Helsinki to Kolari and Kemijärvi. Top speed is 140 or 160 km/h. On the "Blue" carriages, first class used to be distinguished by a yellow stripe above the windows and restaurant cars by a red stripe. Cars equipped with diesel generators, which are used to provide electricity to InterCity or sleeper wagons on non-electrified tracks, can be distinguished by a blue stripe above the windows.
Sleeper cars
VR operates sleeper services between Helsinki/Turku and Lapland, which also include car-carrying (motorail) wagons. Double-deck sleeping carriages (including rooms with en suite showers and toilets) were introduced on the Helsinki–Rovaniemi service in the 2000s. These wagons are painted in a green-and-white livery similar to the InterCity coaches. Since 2016, the new coaches have begun to replace the blue carriages even on the way to Kolari.
Electrification extends from Oulu northwards to Kemijärvi.[20] In 2006, direct sleeper services were discontinued beyond Rovaniemi (to Kemijärvi) because the new double-deck sleeping carriages were unable to operate with diesel haulage. The sleeper service to Kemijärvi was restarted in March 2008, by adding to the train in Rovaniemi a new diesel generator car supplying 1,500 V electricity for the sleeper cars between Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi; this setup was continued in use until the electrification extension to Kemijärvi was completed at the end of 2013. Sleeper services between Turku and Joensuu and Helsinki and Kajaani were withdrawn in 2006, but with the new direct line between Lahti and Kerava, the daytime services were made quicker.
On 12 January 2009, VR announced they had requested tenders for the purchase of 20 new sleeping cars, valued at €60–70 million. The two bidders interested were Alstom, which manufactures the Pendolino and some commuter trains for VR, and Finnish Transtech, which manufactured VR's new sleeping cars. The decision led to the resignation of the President and CEO of VR-Group, Henri Kuitunen, and the group's Chairman of the Board, Antti Lagerroos. Helsingin Sanomat reported they had wanted to defer the replacement of older sleeping car rolling stock until 2012 at the earliest. However, the decision went ahead because VR is a state owned business and there was pressure to seek orders from Finnish Transtech, which is currently struggling due to market downturns, in order to secure jobs.[21]
Freight wagons
The Finnish loading gauge allows the operation of freight vehicles considerably larger than most other railways in the European Union. Road trailers (often of VR's subsidiary Transpoint) can be easily accommodated on ordinary flat wagons. Much of the freight on the VR network is carried from Russia in Russian wagons, including large capacity eight-axle oil tank wagons.
Multiple units
The Sm3 class Pendolino is the VR's "flagship", mainly connecting largest cities to the capital with top running speed up to 220 km/h. Other EMUs in use are the Sm2 and Sm4 on commuter rail services. In addition, VR operates Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy -owned Sm5 class EMUs in Helsinki local traffic.
VR currently operates one class of diesel-powered multiple units: the Czech-built single carriage Dm12, which is used mainly on secondary lines.
| Class | No. in use | Years of manufacture | Max. speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sm2 | 50 | 1975-81 | 120 km/h | EMU consists of an Sm2 car and Eio class car |
| Sm3 | 18 sets | 1992–2006 | 220 km/h | Tilting high-speed Pendolino train. Runs on domestic routes. |
| Sm4 | 60 (30 sets) | 1998–2005 | 160 km/h | EMU consists of two Sm4 units |
| Sm5 | 81 | 2009–2017 | 160 km/h | EMU consists of one four-section Sm5 unit. Sm5 units are owned by Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy and are operated by VR on Helsinki Commuter Rail services.[22] |
| Sm6 | 4 | 2010–11 | 220 km/h | Former Allegro train, a tilting high-speed Pendolino train. Re-introduced into long-distance service in 2025.[23] |
| Dm12 | 16 | 2004–06 | 120 km/h | Single carriage diesel units |
| Class | No. ordered | Year of introduction | Max. speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sm7 | 20 (+50 options) | 2026 | 160 km/h | EMU consists of one four-section Sm7 unit. |
| Class | Total count | Years of manufacture | Withdrawn from service | Max. speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sm1 | 50 | 1968–73 | 2017 | 120 km/h | EMU consists of an Sm1 car and an Eio class car |
Subsidiaries
VR Sverige
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In July 2022, VR Group established operations in Sweden by acquiring Arriva Sverige AB from the German state-owned company Deutsche Bahn. As part of this acquisition, which was finalised on 1st July 2022, VR Group gained control over extensive local and regional public transportation operations, including bus, tram and train services in Stockholm, Östergötland, and Skåne, including Skånetrafiken's Pågatåg. This acquisition brought approximately 2,300[24] employees into the VR Group. The acquired operations include 740 buses, 180 trains, and 70 trams, facilitating around 58 million bus journeys and 54 million train journeys annually.[25]
Following the acquisition, Arriva Sverige was rebranded as VR Sverige and operates under the VR Group brand. Since 2022, VR has grown in Sweden with contracts that include train services in regions like Bergslagen and Gävleborg. VR Sverige also secured a 10-year contract to operate bus services for SL in Tyresö, Stockholm, beginning in July 2025. This contract is valued at approximately €215 million and involves around 190 employees.[26]
In addition to the purchase of Arriva Sweden, VR Group has also strengthened its presence in the Swedish rail market through the acquisition of MTRX, a high-speed train operator on the Stockholm-Gothenburg route. Acquired in 2024, MTRX was rebranded as VR Snabbtåg Sverige and became part of VR Group’s long-distance operations. The MTRX acquisition included six Stadler Flirt X74 EMUs, which operate over 120 weekly services on the route.[27]
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A VR X74 train at Stockholm Central Station
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A Pågatåg train Malmö operated by VR Sverige
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VR Support vehicle for the Tvärbanan
Livery
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". VR has used several liveries in the past. When InterCity traffic started during the 1980s, VR's colour scheme was changed to red and white. In 2009, VR changed its corporate colour to green[28] and all the coaches have been repainted in green and white except the Cemt and Eifet carriages.
See also
References
External links
- VR
- VR Group
- Finnish Rail Administration
- Finnish Railway History Society Template:Webarchive
- Finnish Railway Museum
- Railway page for Finland (maintained by Kimmo Kotimäki) Template:Webarchive
- Transtech Oy (Finnish rolling stock manufacturer, formerly Talgo Oy)
- Steam Locomotives in Finland Including the Finnish Railway Museum
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". illustrated description of Finland's railways in the 1930s
Template:VR Group Template:Rail transport in Finland Template:National railway companies of Europe
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- ↑ SJ.se - ett Bra Miljöval - Bra att veta, Swedish Railways (SJ.se). Accessed 29 November 2012.
- ↑ VR Group to operate Tampere tramway Metro Report International 29 April 2019
- ↑ Allegrotågen tas i bruk för inrikestrafik år 2025 – har stått stilla en längre tid
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