Since the summer of 2024, HSL has been mapping the international market for rail transport operators and has engaged in detailed bilateral dialogues with 17 operators to date.
Based on these discussions, commuter rail services in the Helsinki region are a realistic initial target for a new operator entering the Finnish market. At the same time, operators need a credible outlook on the development of national train services and opportunities to increase revenue. Equal operating conditions, particularly in terms of rolling stock and depots, are essential for operators.
HSL is exploring the procurement of commuter rail services for a broader area in the 2030s
HSL has worked closely with the state in preparing its tendering process, as a functioning and credible national tendering model is essential for the successful tendering of HSL's train services. Additionally, both the state's and HSL's train service contracts are ending around the same time. The contract for purchasing rail transport services negotiated by the state and VR will terminate at the end of 2030, after which the services must be tendered. HSL's current contract with VR will end in the summer of 2031.
During the preparation, it has become apparent that it would be expedient to organize commuter train services from Helsinki to at least Riihimäki and Lahti as part of the package or train services procured by HSL. Many passengers traveling within the HSL area already use these R, Z, D, and T trains based on a ticketing agreement, which is why HSL already finances these services with a larger share than the state. It would be natural to include in this package a possible West Rail commuter connection to Lohja and a Coastal Rail Line commuter connection to Karjaa or Hanko if funding for the services is found.
To ensure the development of commuter train transport, it might be sensible to develop a light HSL membership model for municipalities in the broader capital region commuting area. In this model, municipalities would participate and commit only to the costs of organizing train services and pay for subsidized tickets for train journeys. With the current train service financing model, HSL membership may not be an attractive option for all municipalities.
Preparing the overall package requires time and extensive negotiations with state authorities and municipalities in the commuting area. At its meeting on 8 April 2025, HSL's Executive Board authorized the Executive Director to conduct these negotiations.
HSL and VR have negotiated changes to the current contract
For the new type of tendering of commuter train services in the 2030s to be possible, HSL's and VR's current commuter train service contract must remain in effect until the end of its term. Under the current contract, VR has the option to terminate the contract by the end of 2025, which would result in the contract ending in the summer of 2028. VR can terminate the contract if it can credibly demonstrate that it is permanently unprofitable for them. HSL and VR have negotiated the removal of this termination clause. The amendment of the contract weakens VR's financial position, which is why HSL will compensate VR for the amendment with EUR 3.5 million per year starting in 2026.
If the contract were to terminate prematurely, the costs of organizing train services would significantly increase already in 2028. This is because, based on market analysis, the price level of a new contract is expected to be considerably higher than the current one, and the conditions for success would not yet be in place if the tendering process were rushed. This would also jeopardize the development of train services in the 2030s at both the national level and especially in the Helsinki region.
HSL and VR have also negotiated contract amendments to address the development needs identified related to safety, service reliability, incident management, and energy savings. Contract incentives related to these are adjusted to better guide the quality of operations. Operator-independent risks are limited, which is important for making the next tendering process more attractive.
The HSL Executive Board authorized the Executive Director to sign the amended contract with VR by 13 June 2025. If the contract is not signed by the deadline, the Board authorized the Executive Director to prepare for a rapid tender of commuter train services and initiate the public procurement process as soon as possible if VR announces an early termination of the contract.
Procurement of Metro and tram services also being investigated
The procurement of urban rail transport is influenced by the EU's Public Service Obligation Regulation, and Metro service procurement is regulated in the same way as that of train services. Under the current model, the procurement of tram services from Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd remains possible in the future, but especially for light rail, HSL is preparing to tender the services to create a functioning market.
Even a partial opening of urban rail transport operations to competition would also support the success of future tendering of train services.