Energy preparedness

We are preparing for energy rationing and possible power outages during the coming winter together with other traffic service operators.

The Finnish government has issued a decree in which rail traffic is classified as a critical electricity consumer. What this means is that grid operators must strive to ensure the supply of electricity also during controlled power outages, or rolling blackouts. As regards bus services, a brief electricity outage would not prevent buses from running. However, power outages might cause traffic disruptions if traffic and street lights stopped working.

On this page, you’ll find information on how we are preparing for the coming winter.

The effect of energy savings and possible power outages on public transport

Buses

About a third of HSL’s bus services are operated with electric buses. As a rule, the electric buses are charged at the bus depot at night. One charge gives enough power to drive an electric bus for several hours. The rest of the buses are diesel buses that would not be affected by brief electricity outages. During a power outage, bus services would most likely be disrupted if traffic and street lights stopped working and traffic became congested.

Trams

Metro

The supply of electricity to the Metro and all its stations has partially been ensured by reserve power. Even if the Metro continued to operate during a regional power cut, some entrances at the metro stations would have to be closed.

Steps have already been taken to cut down on the use of electricity at the metro stations by optimizing the lighting inside the stations. From December to January, some escalators were turned off at the Kamppi, Rautatientori, Ruoholahti and Hakaniemi metro stations. We abandon the practice based on the passenger feedback.

Additionally, economical driving will also help drivers to save electricity.

Commuter trains

HSL app, HSL.fi and other electronic systems

Reserve power ensures that the HSL app and HSL.fi will continue to function uninterrupted. We will use these channels to provide information to our customers also during possible outages.

Card readers and other equipment on public transport vehicles would continue to function despite a power outage. Some timetable displays at stops and stations would continue to function and show information on departure and arrival times. All electricity-powered timetable displays would go out during a regional power cut.

Public transport during a power outage

Despite preparations for a power outage, it is possible that problems in electricity supply could momentarily bring a halt to public transport. Additionally, in case of an accident, this could also happen under normal circumstances. In these situations passengers must follow the instructions given to them by authorities and the public transport personnel and never leave the train or metro without permission, as walking on the tracks is life-threatening.

In addition, we recommend that everyone follow the information we publish on possible disruptions on HSL.fi and the HSL app.

Come and join us in our energy saving efforts!

We are currently reducing our energy consumption with our partners in cooperation for instance by optimizing the temperature and lighting inside stations and on public transport vehicles.

If Fingrid, Finland’s transmission system operator, warns of a risk of electricity shortage, it is possible to cut down on energy usage on public transport for instance by reducing metro or tram services. Although this would mean fewer services, it would save electricity.

We should all do our part to save energy and ensure that public transport and our society keep functioning properly. The following pages contain information on electricity shortages and on how to save energy: