The government says the proposed expansion of the Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL) territory around the capital is one reason for the suspension of the planned tender. The addition of Järvenpää, which is currently served by Helsinki - Riihmäki services, to the HSL operating area would affect the composition of the tendered network. The government says ticket revenue “would change significantly” if the town joined the HSL fare system.
Furthermore, preparations to establish rolling stock and real estate companies to take over trains and depots from VR Group have not been completed.
VR Group has an exclusive right to operate all passenger services outside HSL’s jurisdiction until the end of 2024 under a contract with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (LVM).
Competitive tendering for the operation of the HSL suburban rail network is underway and LVM says a winning bidder is likely to be announced in spring 2020, with the new contract starting in mid-2021.
