VR-Group Plc has announced that its Extraordinary General Meeting, held on 9 October 2025, has approved the transfer of its entire shareholding in its rolling stock company, Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto Oy, to the State of Finland. The shares, valued at EUR 15.1 million on VR’s balance sheet, will move under the direct ownership of the Finnish Government, represented by the Prime Minister’s Office, from 1 November 2025.
The decision marks a key step in the Finnish Government’s strategy to establish a rolling stock company for services operated under public contracts, ensuring fair competition as the rail market opens further.
Supporting future competition in passenger rail
Under the arrangement, part of the rolling stock currently owned by VR and used in tendered rail services commissioned by the State is expected to be transferred to Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto Oy early in 2026.
The move is part of the Finnish Government’s commitment to create a level playing field for new entrants in the rail sector. The establishment of the rolling stock company was included in the current Government Programme, which identifies it as a key measure to promote competition in passenger rail transport.
By transferring ownership of certain state-commissioned rolling stock from VR to the newly formed company, the Government aims to ensure equal access to equipment for all operators bidding in future service tenders.
Government-backed transition
Suomen Ostoliikennekalusto Oy (translated as Finnish Public Transport Rolling Stock Ltd) will be directly owned by the State and managed under ownership steering by the Prime Minister’s Office. Its creation is designed to facilitate a transparent and efficient leasing structure for rolling stock used in public service obligation (PSO) rail operations.
The current tendered rail traffic agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and VR-Group Plc will remain in effect until the end of 2030. Once it expires, services will be competitively tendered under the new framework.
This transition represents a significant step toward a more open and competitive rail market in Finland, aligning the country with broader European Union objectives on liberalising passenger rail services and improving access to state-supported transport infrastructure.
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