FINLAND: National train operator VR Group is to transfer the entire shareholding of its rolling stock subsidiary Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto to direct state ownership on November 1.
The government’s rail reform plans include the competitive tendering of publicly supported passenger services. The rolling stock company was formed to ensure potential operators have equal market access to 1 524 mm gauge vehicles suitable for Finland. It will be responsible for passenger fleet management and future investment, with VR having no ownership or involvement in its decision making.
VR said Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto is valued at €15·1m on the balance sheet
In the next state of the process, some of the rolling stock currently owned by VR and used on services operated under contract to the state is to be transferred to Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto by early 2026.
The government plans to begin procurement in 2026 for competitively-tendered contracts to operate passenger services once the current directly awarded agreement between VR and the Ministry of Transport & Communications expires at the end of 2030.
