Geographical location poses challenges

The VR Group’s main market area is Finland, and the country’s geographical position sets special challenges for transport services. Harsh weather conditions, such as snow and ground frost, must be addressed in transport services, track construction and rolling stock purchases.

Carryings to other countries in Europe require special rolling stock and, in almost all cases, sea transport. Conversely, transport connections to Russia are excellent, partly because the two countries share a common rail gauge.

Finland has a small population, mostly concentrated in the south of the country. Distances between population centres are long, and unlike many other European countries, most of Finland’s rail connections consist of a single line. These factors must be addressed in the planning of passenger services and routes.