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Public Transport: HSL Finds Climate Measures Ineffective After 15 Years
🇫🇮 Finland /Energy & Infrastructure

Public Transport: HSL Finds Climate Measures Ineffective After 15 Years

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) paid nearly 15 million euros in environmental bonuses to bus companies over 15 years.
  • A review found these climate measures to be ineffective after the 15-year period.
  • The official overseeing the bonus model's discontinuation described the situation as "beautifying numbers with money."

Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) has ceased its environmental bonus program for bus companies after 15 years, during which it paid out nearly 15 million euros. The program, designed to incentivize climate-friendly practices, has been deemed ineffective in achieving its goals.

The decision to end the bonus system comes after a critical review revealed its shortcomings. The official responsible for preparing the discontinuation of the model did not mince words, describing the past practices as "beautifying numbers with money." This suggests a potential disconnect between the program's stated environmental aims and its actual outcomes.

This move raises questions about the efficacy of similar incentive-based environmental programs and the methods used to measure their success. The substantial sum paid out over the years, coupled with the program's ultimate ineffectiveness, highlights the need for rigorous evaluation of climate initiatives.

beautifying numbers with money

— official overseeing the bonus model's discontinuationdescribing the past practices of the environmental bonus program
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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