Unauthorized pedestrian activity causes 1,540 train delays in Finland this year

Unauthorized pedestrian activity on train tracks has caused 1,540 train delays this year, according to statistics from Fintraffic’s railway traffic center. In contrast, there were only 1,539 disruption reports throughout the entire previous year due to similar incidents.

Fintraffic has expressed concern over the increasing instances of unauthorized access to train tracks. In a statement, they reminded the public that walking on railway lines is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Modern trains are so quiet that individuals might not notice an approaching train until it’s too late. Moreover, even if a person is not directly on the tracks, the airflow from a high-speed train can knock someone over if they are too close.

Climbing onto train roofs has also led to an average of 1 to 2 fatalities per year in Finland, along with numerous serious injuries. This year, more than half of the reported disruptions occurred around Espoo, Helsinki’s stations, Huopalahti, Kerava, Tikkurila, and Tampere. Additionally, the Varsinais-Suomi region reported 20 disruption cases related to trespassing on the tracks, while the Satakunta region experienced five such incidents.