Track repairs send main-line passengers onto buses

Rail passengers travelling between Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki must transfer to buses on Wednesday while track work is under way, Yle reports. The change affects all passengers on Finland’s main line, including autumn holidaymakers and commuters.

Passengers travelling from Helsinki transfer to buses at Riihimäki, while those coming from Tampere switch at Hämeenlinna. VR has slightly reduced long-distance train services, meaning capacity is lower than usual.

VR’s director of long-distance traffic planning, Mikko Linderoos, said enough buses had been booked and the company was monitoring demand. He said more buses could be arranged if needed, and that major crowds were not expected at either station.

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is replacing three railway points at the Hämeenlinna railway yard. The work began early Tuesday, when one track remained in use. It is due to finish on Thursday morning, with train services scheduled to return to normal at 5.40am.

The points direct trains from one track to another. The agency says replacing them will help keep rail traffic safe and smooth.