The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom has granted VR Group an exemption allowing it to operate commercial passenger transport with Vectron electronic locomotives on the line section Oulu–Rovaniemi. The exemption concerns a three-week trial after which the continued use of the locomotives will be evaluated.
Vectron electric locomotives, also known as Sr3 locomotives, have previously been used in goods transport. To ensure their safe introduction in passenger transport, Traficom has set strict conditions for VR’s test and trial run periods and the degree of success required. “In general, the application of emergency brakes performed by locomotives must be done in a controlled manner and tested in accordance with relevant requirements to ensure that passenger safety is not jeopardised,” says Inspector Hannu Timperi.
The train protection system included in the Vectron locomotives’ safety equipment is very sensitive. Because of this, the locomotives may occasionally make unnecessary emergency stops. The braking force of the emergency brakes is not significantly different from normal service brakes. In passenger transport, there are typically dozens of emergency braking incidents each year for various reasons.
VR has conducted numerous trial runs with the locomotives over several years. The train protection system has previously been considered highly sensitive, but according to Traficom it is now operating safely. During the first three-week trial period, Vectron locomotives will be used in passenger transport between Oulu and Rovaniemi as of 3 June 2019. “Traficom supervises the introduction of the locomotives, and we will be ready to take immediate action if the situation calls for it,” Hannu Timperi says.
Traficom seeks to enable competitive and attractive rail transport in Finland without compromising safety. “Our task is to assess whether we can authorise the vehicle being placed in service. We will focus particularly on safety aspects because our main priority is to ensure the safety of passengers and the vehicle,” Timperi says.
Enquiries:
Hannu Timperi, Inspector, tel. +358 295 345 595, hannu.timperi(at)traficom.fi
VR Group’s press release (External link) (in Finnish)