Finnish rolling stock company orders more winterised Flirt commuter EMUs

FINLAND: State-owned rolling stock management company RailStock Finland has ordered a further 21 Stadler Flirt Sm7 electric multiple-units for use on subsidised commuter services.

The firm order announced on October 30 has been placed using an option on a contract which was originally signed by national operator VR in November 2022. This included a €250m firm order for 20 units for use in Helsinki, with options for up to 50 more for use in the capital and potentially elsewhere.

This contract was subsequently transferred to RailStock Finland (at the time known as Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto) in March 2026, when it purchased the rolling stock that VR uses on services operated under contract.

This asset transfer deal was designed to facilitate the opening of the Finnish rail market by enabling potential new entrants to easily access 1 524 mm gauge rolling stock.

This story was originally published by Railway Gazette. Read the full story at Railway Gazette →