New train between St. Petersburg and Helsinki

In early January, the French company “Alstom” has delivered to Finland the first high-speed train “Allegro”, which will ply the route between St. Petersburg and Helsinki. The contract for the supply of four trains Pendolino Sm6 was signed in September 2007 and in December 2008 the name Allegro was born. A joint venture of RZD and VR-Group (Finnish Railways) buys the trains.

According to the Baltic News Agency, regular trips of Allegro will start from December 2010. It is assumed that by increasing the speed of the train and change the system of clearance, while the time of the trip could be reduced from five and a half hours to three and a half, and later – up to three hours. This will greatly facilitate the travel of foreigners in Russia, and certainly increase the attractiveness of the St. Petersburg as a tourist town.

According to specialists, over the next five years, the flow of passengers between the two cities will increase from 400000 to 1.2 million people per year. Accordingly, the number of circulating trips of Allegro will rise from three in the beginning until four or more.

A characteristic feature of the new trains is a dual system of electricity, which is equally suitable for use in the Russian and Finnish Railways. The train can reach speeds of up to 220 km/h. In the train will be seven cars and one restaurant car. “Allegro” can fit 350 passengers. Among the conductors will be citizens of both Finland and Russia.

Baltic News Agency reports that the primary color scales of the train are the tones of Russian and Finnish flags: white, blue, red and silver.

In connection with the launch of the new train, a major reconstruction works on the railways of both countries are planned. It is also planned to transfer freight traffic on the sidelines.

In addition, according to DP.ru, in 2011 such long-lived trains as the “Sibelius” and “Repin” will be cancelled.