In society
VR has had a key impact on Finnish society for more than 160 years, i.e. since train traffic began in Finland in 1862. Today, the popularity of train travel is at a record high and more people travel on trains than ever before.
VR is strongly committed to promoting competition in rail traffic. We want to be involved in developing a sustainable, customer-oriented and competitive railway market as a combination of Open Access, or free competition, and regional contract traffic tenders. Our aim is to increase the share of rail traffic in modes of passenger transport to 10% (8.5% in 2022) and in freight traffic to 30% (22% in 2022). Adequate investments in the maintenance of the railway network and new railway projects are a prerequisite for growth.
We want to be involved in developing a sustainable, customer-oriented and competitive railway market.
It is evident that rail transport is the perfect mode of transport for the future as it can reduce emissions, promote the clean transition, expand commuting options and support Finland's security of supply and economic growth. We promote these goals in active social dialogue and in close cooperation with our various stakeholders.
Finnish railway market
In Finland, long-distance train traffic and freight train traffic are market-based business and freely competitive. Rail traffic applies the Open Access model based on EU regulation, in which any competing operator can enter the railway market and there may be multiple operators on the same routes. Operators use their own rolling stock or that rented from commercial actors on the routes.
Regulations in the transport sector
Legislation and regulations applicable to the railway sector have a significant impact on how rail traffic is maintained and developed. The technical regulations of rail traffic and rolling stock are very detailed due to the goal of improving the safety of rolling stock, transport and the rail network. The national transport system plan (Traffic 12), in turn, will have a wide-ranging impact on the development of rail traffic in the near future.
Changing operating environment
Our business environment has undergone significant changes over the past recent years. The COVID-10 pandemic, high energy prices and accelerated inflation had a very negative impact on our business operations, and, as a result of Russia’s war of aggression, we completely stopped passenger and freight train traffic across the Russian border in 2022. VR’s profitability and net sales have improved significantly since 2023.
Finnish railway network
The Finnish railway network, its maintenance and renovation are the responsibility of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. In total, the railway network spans nearly 6,000 kilometres, more than half of which is electrified. Almost 90% of the railway network is single-track, and the railway line is operated in both directions.
The future of rail transport
We are helping to create a growing, customer-oriented and climate-friendly rail transport market in Finland, inviting more competition and new services. VR’s goal is to focus on the core business of the train operator and transform into a modern travel and logistics service company.
Megatrends support rail transport
Climate change is one of the central megatrends of our time and combatting it requires rail traffic to grow. The electric train is an environmentally friendly option because it produces less emissions and consumes less energy than other modes of transport. 95% of our passenger trains and 80% of our freight trains run on electricity with zero emissions, and rail traffic accounts for only 1% of all transport emissions.
Key actors in the Finnish railway industry
In rail transport, there are many actors whose cooperation guarantees the smooth running of everyday rail traffic and transport.
Our stakeholders
We want to maintain active dialogue and cooperation with various stakeholders so that we are better able to meet the expectations placed on us and improve our services and operating conditions.
VR and the security of supply
At VR, we have a significant role to play in ensuring the security of supply throughout Finland.
