Pohjolan Liikenne’s online shop established itself as a major sales outlet for express coach tickets
The range of products available in the shop was expanded by introducing a flexible ticket, which allows the customer to freely choose the day of travel.
Pohjolan Liikenne introduced a new passenger information system on its express coaches. The system, which is the first of its kind in Finland, keeps passengers up to date with the progress of the journey, provides details about connecting services, and displays news and weather information.
In competitive tendering organised by Helsinki Region Transport (HSL), Pohjolan Liikenne was awarded the contract to operate the number 55 bus service from the start of 2014.
Pohjolan Liikenne succeeded in tenders for local and regional bus services in Kirkkonummi, Sipoo and Kuopio.
VR was not successful in the competitive tendering process for local services in Savonlinna, and as a result, it will have to close down all operations in the area.
Current issues
Changes will take place in the organisation of local and regional bus services in many areas of importance to Pohjolan Liikenne in the summer and autumn of 2014. Overall responsibility for the services will be transferred from the transport companies to the public authorities (municipalities and ELY Centres), and in future transport companies will only act as service providers.
Competition is expected to intensify in express coach services as the transitional service contracts gradually come to an end.
