Public transport: Politicians propose cheaper HSL tickets for Helsinki residents

Helsinki politicians are again trying to prevent public transport fare increases from hitting the city’s residents. The Social Democratic Party, the capital’s second-largest party, wants Helsinki to examine whether it could compensate residents directly if HSL raises prices.

Under the proposal, fares could increase for residents elsewhere in the Helsinki metropolitan area while remaining unchanged for Helsinki residents. The idea is not new. Last year, councillors from several groups proposed cutting Helsinki residents’ fares by 25%, but the plan ran into the requirement that HSL, a joint authority owned by nine municipalities, treat its customers equally.

Helsinki’s own city strategy also sets a target of reducing the real price of tickets for residents by the end of the strategy period in 2029, compared with 2026. At the same time, HSL’s finances remain difficult and pressure to raise fares is strong. Its preliminary proposal calls for an increase of about 3.1%, while the inspection fee would rise by €30 to €130.

Next year, a disruption to metro services at Kalasatama is expected to reduce ticket revenue by €15 million and add another €15 million in disruption-related costs. Helsinki is expected to bear most of both impacts. HSL’s board will make the final decision in the autumn.

The SDP wants Helsinki’s city government to investigate whether compensation could be funded from the city budget and whether it would be technically and legally possible. Niilo Toivonen, the party’s first deputy chair in the city council group, said the proposal would represent a major change in principle. He said a previous 25% fare cut was estimated to cost Helsinki about €60 million, but argued that compensating future increases might be easier to arrange. If the city government approves the review, Helsinki will begin examining the issue with HSL.

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There is a widespread feeling of helplessness in Helsinki concerning HSL ticket prices, that Helsinki cannot influence them