Internet snag worries VR as cash sales end

From the beginning of September, long distance train tickets can only be purchased by using payment cards.

In an interview with the Finnish language daily Kaleva, VR Sales and Customer Experience Vice President Salla Ketola said failure of internet connection will pose a difficult situation for a conductor.

Ketola, however, added that the national railway operator is constantly working on getting internet connection better and to ensure smooth payment on the train.

From beginning of September, conductors will no longer accept cash.

In 2018, 2.5 per cent of VR customers purchased tickets inside the trains, and 0.9 per cent purchases were made in cash.

More than 80 per cent of the tickets are purchased via online store, mobile app or by using ticket machines. Tickets are also sold at all R-kiosks, VR service points and telephone services, and at Matkahuolto offices.