RailStock Finland Oy is acquiring 21 new Sm7 trains to meet the needs of the contract period beginning in 2031

A new contract period for state-funded PSO rail services will begin at the start of 2031. Preparations must be made now to ensure that the necessary rolling stock is available to operate future passenger train services.

Earlier this week, RailStock Finland Oy signed an order for 21 Sm7 electric multiple unit trains, which will serve the needs of the publicly subsidised passenger rail services. The train units ordered from the Swiss company Stadler will be delivered in time for passenger services to commence by the start of 2031.

The total value of the train units in this order is approximately 240 million euros. The train units ordered are options included in the procurement contract, with a total of 50 option EMUs available for order. They are a continuation of the 20-unit series already ordered, which will replace the non-accessible Sm2 trains being taken out of service.

– Our goal is to enable competition-neutral and sustainable publicly supported passenger rail services in Finland by providing reliable, high-quality rolling stock for use by all operators across the country. New rolling stock investments will ensure the conditions for maintaining and developing publicly subsidised passenger rail services in the coming decades, with services expected to continue at broadly the same scope as today, says Joakim Mette, CEO of RailStock Finland Oy.

Sm7 trains are expected to be seen on the tracks by the end of 2026

The Sm7 electric multiple unit trains are the latest additions to Stadler’s modular and lightweight FLIRT series, with over 3,000 units sold worldwide. Thanks to their adaptability, the trains meet a wide range of needs, and their low floor ensures accessibility. The Sm7 train units to be delivered to Finland are each approximately 106 metres long.

Finland’s first Sm7 electric multiple unit trains are expected to commence passenger service in state-procured rail services in the Helsinki metropolitan area by the end of 2026. In the 2030s, Sm7 trains will also be used in northern Finland and on other regional rail services in southern Finland.