Trains arrive for high speed link between Helsinki and St Petersburg

2/23/2010 2:35:00 PM

The high speed train service between Helsinki and St Petersburg is becoming closer to completion after the first of the Allegro trains arrived in Finland today.
Testing and fine-tuning to the vehicles will take place in the next two months to check that they work in both countries. The trains have dual power and communication systems so that they work on the different tracks in Finland and Russia.
Journey time will be cut to three and a half hours down from six, where the train can reach a maximum speed of 220km/hour. Each train can carry 344 passengers and offer onboard customs and board inspection while the train is in motion to ease the experience.
Work on the tracks began in 2007 on the section between St Petersburg and Buslovskaya and are still being upgraded in parts. In Finland, the Lahti-L Luumäki–Vainikkala track section is currently being improved.
The track work should be completed in both countries in autumn 2010.

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