OREANDA-NEWS. May 26, 2011. 100,600 rail passengers travelled between Finland and Russia during IQ2011, an increase of 22% on the same period last year, reported the press-centre of RZD.

In December 2010, 30% more passengers travelled between Helsinki and St. Petersburg compared to the same period in 2009. This increase largely reflects greater passenger interest in the Allegro high-speed trains.

"This project and its individual elements, including the idea of onboard border and customs controls to obviate the need for the train to stop, have proved successful. Passenger numbers between Helsinki and St. Petersburg increased by more than 20% in just a short period, while capacity utilisation on Allegro trains reached 99% on some days," said Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways.

Regular daily services currently run between Finland and Russia, initially with 2 pairs of Allegro trains in operation, but this will be increased to 4 pairs from 29 May 2011. In addition, 1 pair of the Leo Tolstoy train operates between Moscow and Helsinki. Additional and special services are laid on as necessary.

According to Yakunin, the Company plans to carry about 250,000 people between St. Petersburg and Helsinki in 2011.