OREANDA-NEWS. October 01, 2012. During the ХХI plenary meeting of the Coordinating Council on Trans-Siberian Transportation, Russian Railways President Vladimir Yakunin and the CEO of the VR-Group Ltd. Mikael Aro signed a joint plan to implement regular piggyback transportation on the direct Russian-Finnish direct rail connection, reported the press-centre of RZD.

The plan was signed in the Finnish capital Helsinki and envisages the creation of a joint working group between Russian Railways and VR-Group, with the two companies submitting proposals on selected routes to confirm overall capabilities in accordance with international documents.

The plan also provides for measures to improve customs procedures with regard to customs clearance of both freight and motor vehicles. The parties will also consider tariff conditions when implementing piggyback transportation and will take into account the tariff policy applied in each country. They will also determine a basic list of operating companies involved in piggyback transportation and select the model of the wagon-based platform for the piggyback shipments.

In addition, the parties intend to develop and agree on a draft agreement on regular piggyback transport between Russian Railways and the VR-Group which will determine the customs clearance procedure and the procedures and timetable for loading and unloading operations.

The plan’s measures also envisage the development of a project to change and amend the conditions for transporting passengers, baggage, cargo luggage and freight on the direct Russian-Finnish railway connection where motor vehicles are transported by shuttle piggyback transport, as well as amendments to the rules for loading and securing cargo.