In February, train fares were lowered permanently by an average of 25 per cent and pricing was simplified. In June, long-distance train timetables were adjusted so that the number of fast and direct services could be increased. As a result of the changes, there has been a strong increase in the number of long-distance train passengers and trains are also running fuller: The filling rate on VR's network has increased from 35 to more than 40 per cent and the number of journeys between large cities by more than 10 per cent. The business operations efficiency programme launched in 2015 is proceeding according to plan and the savings target of EUR 50 million set for long-distance traffic is in the process of being met.
As a result of the budget cuts introduced by the Government, oblige and contract services were substantially reduced in March 2016. In December 2016, some of these services were reinstated as loss-making oblige traffic operated by VR. The decision on the services made by the Ministry of Transport and Communications will be in effect for one year. At the same time and in accordance with customers’ wishes, VR also introduced a number of new commercial train services.
In commuter traffic, VR and HSL concluded a five-year operating and maintenance agreement, which entered into force on 1 April 2016. The new agreement is a step towards competitive tendering in HSL commuter traffic, which will be introduced in 2021. VR will continue its commuter traffic reform programme during the agreement period and is also preparing for the tendering process. VR launched a new mobile application for its commuter services, which provides customers with a flexible way of purchasing tickets in zone area traffic.