European Union Agency for Railways Report on Railway Safety: Safety on Finnish railways is top tier
Europe has one of the safest railway networks in the world – major accidents are rare and significant accidents have decreased over the last two decades. The European Union Agency for Railways has published its 2024 report on railway safety and interoperability on the EU level. Figures shown in the report also demonstrate the safety of Finland’s railways, which is top tier on the European level.
Finland shares the top position with six other European countries regarding passenger fatalities per one billion passenger-kilometres. All the countries that share the top position have had none. On the other hand, the fatality rate per one billion train-kilometres is 0.08, which puts Finland in fourth place. This figure excludes fatalities due to trespassing or suicide.
"Passenger safety in Finland has remained at a good level for years. Our rail system faces largely the same as those of the rest of Europe – the primary concerns are level crossings and unauthorised access. Unfortunately, 2022 saw a tragic track worker fatality, and a similar accident occurred once more in late August this year. There is still work to be done to further reduce the number of accidents. Our shared goal is to ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of their day and that the railways are as safe a mode of transport as possible," explains Toni Hytönen, Director of Safety and Health at Fintraffic’s Rail Traffic Management.
Regarding serious injuries, Finland is ranked 12th (0.14 serious injuries per billion train-kilometres) and 11th (0.35 significant accidents per one billion train-kilometres) respectively. The report is based on data produced by 28 countries on European railways until 2022.
Every year, Fintraffic Rail ensures safe and smooth traffic flow for more than 500,000 trains and just over 82 million passengers. Safety is a core issue that we can never compromise on.
With the Digirail project, Finland is investing in future security, efficiency and improvement of capacity. New train control systems and technological solutions will make rail traffic smarter and safer for passengers and businesses.
The high level of railway safety in Finland is an indication of persistent work and the use of technology to improve safety. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation for making railway operations more sustainable and efficient in the future.
Read the full report here:
Report on Railway Safety and Interoperability in the EU 2024 | European Union Agency for Railways
