HSL Commuter Train Security Now Partly the Responsibility of Cleaners

The responsibility for security on Finland's HSL commuter train lines has taken an unusual turn, with cleaning staff now partly overseeing passenger safety. A reform implemented by VR and HSL at the beginning of June has completely removed conductors from HSL commuter train services. While security guards have largely replaced conductors, their role is primarily to be visible on trains and intervene in disturbances more quickly, according to VR. However, an exceptional situation has arisen due to track work. Some peak hour trains are now longer, consisting of three Sm5 trainsets, extending to about 225 meters. At stations located on curves, train drivers cannot see the entire platform area through the train's mirrors. In these instances, employees from the cleaning service company RTK are stepping in as lookouts from the rear of the train, a role previously filled by conductors. VR's head of commuter traffic, Anu Punola, stated that this situation affects stations including Keran, Koivuhovi, Käpylä, Rekola, Tapanila, Tolsa, and Tuomarila. Punola mentioned that some cleaners have received specific training for this task. Unlike conductors, cleaners do not have a direct communication channel with the train driver. If a dangerous situation occurs on the platform, a cleaner must use the emergency brake to prevent the train from departing. VR asserts that the door mechanism also prevents doors from locking if a passenger is caught between them. Punola reported that no dangerous incidents have occurred under this procedure, which began in June. The decision to eliminate conductors and rely on security guards was justified by observations of declining perceived passenger safety and an increase in disturbances on commuter lines. The union representing train drivers, Raideammattilaiset JHL, interprets the change as leading to the dismissal of approximately 130 conductors. Union chairman Petri Lillqvist expressed concern over the safety at curved stations, noting that a conductor's role was to ensure no one was boarding or alighting as the train departed.

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If something dangerous happens on the platform area, the cleaner must use the emergency brake to prevent departure.