Helsinki Region commuter trains
Helsinki Metropolitan Area commuter trains run on the main line between Helsinki and Riihimäki, on the Coast line (Helsinki-Karjaa), on the Helsinki-Vantaankoski line and on the direct line between Helsinki and Lahti. In addition, commuter trains run on between Lahti and Riihimäki.
On November 18, 2009, the first one of the new trainsets ordered by Junakalusto Oy was introduced to operate commuter services in the HSL area traffic. From Monday to Friday, the train runs between Helsinki and Leppävaara as an A-train and between Helsinki and Vantaankoski as an M-train. The second new trainset will be introduced into traffic on December 13, 2009. The new city trains are needed as the traffic volume shows a steady increase and the present train fleets are ageing. For details on the new city train, please view www.junakalusto.fi.
Onboard services
| Low-floor train (Sm4) | EMU (Sm1) |
|---|---|
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| EMU (Sm2) | Locomotive-hauled Eil train |
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View the location of commuter train onboard services in the diagram below. Click on a car to view the a description of the amenities in the Passenger car album.
Trains
The commuter trains are of four types. The Sm1 and Sm2 type EMUs, totalling 100 units, represent an older fleet built in 1968-1981. All the trains have been modernized.
In peak-hours also locomotive-hauled Eil cars are used in commuter services. Their total number is 57.
Low-floor trains
The most recent train type is the Sm4 low-floor train. The entrance and the passenger compartment between the vestibules is on the same level as the raised station platforms, to permit an easy access for passengers with a pram, wheelchair or bicycle. If necessary the train's conductor sets up a ramp to enable easy access for persons with reduced mobility.
Low-floor trains save electricity by reusing current generated braking energy. Thus approximately 25 percent of the train's braking energy is reused.
The low-floor rail services are listed in the commuter services timetables.
Technical data on commuter trains:
| Seating | Speed | Weight | Width | Length | Height | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sm 4-trains | 184+8 pivot - seats/unit |
160 km/h | 107,0 t | 3,2 m | 54,8 m | 4,4 m |
| Sm 1-trains | 175+16 pivot - seats/unit |
120 km/h | 96,6 t | 3,2 m | 53,2 m | 3,9 m |
| Sm 2-trains | 179+14 pivot - seats/unit |
120 km/h | 96,6 t | 3,2 m | 53,2 m | 3,9 m |
| Eil-trains | 105+8 pivot - seats/unit |
160 km/h | 42,3 t | 3,0 m | 26,4 m | 3,9 m |
Fares
There are several pricing systems used in VR commuter traffic. Fares are determined according to whether the journey takes place inside or outside Helsinki Region.
View fares: commuter tickets »
New Flirt commuter trains enter service at the end of the year
Travel comfort improves significantly in Helsinki commuter services as the new Flirt commuter trains enter service at the end of 2009. The rolling stock company's CEO Yrjö Judström says the trains will most likely start running on the Leppävaara and Vantaankoski lines.
Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy has ordered a total of 32 low-floor electrical multiple units (EMU) from Swiss Stadler Bussnang AG. The new trains will partly replace old rolling stock in commuter services. More trains will be needed as the ring rail line is constructed and a new connection is established between Helsinki centre and Helsinki-Vantaa airport.
The new commuter train is easily accessible also to persons with reduced mobility and passengers with prams since it has a mainly low-floor setup and there are no interior doors to hinder movement. The trains have air conditioning and have information displays to provide information to e.g. passengers travelling to the airport.
The brand name Flirt is an acronym for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train.
Read more on the new commuter trains on the web site of Junakalusto Oy »
Low-floor commuter trains
Low-floor trains are an environmentally friendly and fast way of travelling on Helsinki metropolitan area commuter services. To find out more on the low-floor commuter train take a look at the 360˚ view.