OREANDA-NEWS. December 29, 2008. The Board of Directors of Oy Karelian Trains Ltd., a joint venture between Russian Railways and VR-Group (AO Railways of Finland) has named their new high-speed train the Allegro, which as everybody knows comes from the Italian and means fast, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

The name was chosen because it is readily understandable in Russian, Finnish and other languages. The train’s livery is based on the flags of Russia and Finland: red, white, blue and silver.

The high-speed Pendolino Sm6 train made by the French company Alstom will also operate between St. Petersburg and Helsinki.

Rolling stock will be purchased by Oy Karelian Trains Ltd., a joint venture between Russian Railways and the VR-Group (Finnish Railways). A contract to supply four dual-system trains was signed in September 2007.

It is expected that commercial operation of the Allegro will begin in 2010. According to current plans, three return trips will be made daily during the first phase, with a further round trip to be added in the future.

The Allegro electric trains will have a dual power system, which enables them to operate on the overhead systems in Russia and Finland. The Allegro has a top speed of 220 kph and can haul up to seven carriages carrying 350 passengers and a dining car. The train also provides additional services for business passengers and special services for passengers with disabilities and passengers with pets.

The Allegro will reduce journey time between St. Petersburg and Helsinki to 3.5 hours and later to 3, down from the current 5.5 hours.