HSL to plan and oversee Helsinki metropolitan area commuter rail services

The Ministry of Transport and Communications and Helsinki Regional Transport Authority have signed an agreement on the planning of metropolitan area commuter train services, contract negotiations with VR Group and control of the operation of commuter rail services. Under the agreement, HSL will assume responsibility for these activities.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Transport Anu Vehviläinen and HSL's Executive Director Suvi Rihtniemi.

The aim of the new arrangement is that the metropolitan area commuter rail services could be better addressed as a whole.

In future, rail services purchased by the state and commuter rail services in HSL area purchased by HSL are viewed as a whole. The agreement also transfers the responsibility for planning of rail services and negotiations over the services between Karjaa and Helsinki and between Lahti and Helsinki to HSL. These services are purchased from VR by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The contract between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and VR on commuter rail services in Kerava and Kirkkonummi expires in 2010.

The primary aim of the contracting parties is to ensure the best possible commuter rail service provision and service level.