Locomotive drivers' strike will halt commuter trains on Friday

Commuter rail transport will come to a complete halt in the Helsinki area due to a 24-hour strike by locomotive drivers based in Helsinki, Riihimäki and Oulu.

As announced on Thursday evening after 6 pm by the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL), locomotive drivers will not attend their work shifts on Friday 21 May from midnight to midnight.

Normality will return to rail traffic on Saturday, according to a statement on the HSL website.

"Services are expected to resume on Saturday morning 22 May around 5 am," the transport operators says.

According to HSL, there will be no alternative transport services to replace the halted trains as it is a strike. For this reason, the transport operator recommends keeping in mind that there will be no commuter trains when planning any possible trip.

Risk of overcrowded buses

"You can search for alternative routes using the Journey Planner; untick the train option in the planner's settings," the transport authority suggests.

As there is a risk of overcrowded buses, HSL also recommends avoiding travel if possible, to ensure the safest and smoothest possible journey for those who need to travel.

"We want to ensure the health security of passengers on public transport even in the exceptional circumstances," HSL emphasized.

Train conductors said in a press release that the strike is a protest against VR's personnel policy.