1. Annual report 2014
  2. Business operations
  3. Passenger services
  4. Pohjolan Liikenne
  • Supervisory Board
  • Risk management
  • Insider administration
  • Audit
  • Internal audit
  • Remuneration
  • VR City Traffic
  • Properties
  • Conductor
  • For the investor

    • Pohjolan Liikenne overhauled its express coach concept

    Prompted by tougher competition in bus and coach traffic, Pohjolan Liikenne revamped its express coach concept.

    All express coaches are now equipped with free wlan and have a new livery, highlighting the purple brand colour. The new livery also promotes the on-board services, which include snack vending machines, air conditioning, information displays and spacious passenger compartments and luggage holds.

    As part of the stronger marketing inputs, Pohjolan Liikenne opened social media channels for its express coach services. Routes, timetables and discount schemes were also revamped at the start of 2015.

    New routes and adjustment measures

    The new depot at Veturitie became operational at the start of the year. The 60 buses used in the HSL contract services secured by Pohjolan Liikenne are stationed at the depot. In late summer, Pohjolan Liikenne also started contract services to the new destinations in Kirkkonummi and Sipoo.

    Pohjolan Liikenne took over the commuter services between Lappeenranta and Imatra. It was decided to reduce local services in Kotka from the start of 2015 as a result of a sharp drop in the number of passengers.

    Pohjolan Liikenne significantly expanded its operations in Kuopio by starting local services in the North Savo region. The company had secured the contracts after a competitive tendering process.

    Pohjolan Liikenne terminated its operations in Savonlinna after it lost the local services contract in a competitive tendering.

    Outlook

    Pohjolan Liikenne is preparing for competitive tendering in the Helsinki region, Kotka and Imatra. Competition in express coach services is expected to become tougher. Success in the challenging competitive environment requires continuous development of pricing, offers and travel comfort. Pohjolan Liikenne is also continuously expanding and developing its online outlet.

    To improve its telephone service and feedback process, Pohjolan Liikenne’s new customer service unit will start operations from the beginning of 2015.