Copyright yle
The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) will raise ticket prices by 3.1 percent from the beginning of next year. The decision was made at a meeting of the authority's executive board, where an even steeper price hike had initially been suggested but was voted down. HSL's board is made up of Helsinki city councillors from a range of parties. The price rise was mostly supported by councillors from the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party, and the Swedish People's Party — while the Left Alliance and the Greens, were opposed. "Our strategy responds to changes in our operating environment. Technological development is advancing rapidly, and modes and needs of mobility are becoming increasingly diverse," board chair Mirita Saxberg (NCP) said. Members of the Social Democrats voted in favour of the price rise. "From the Social Democrats' perspective, the decision is a defensive victory, because the price increase was more than halved during the negotiations," a party statement said. Yle understands that as recently as this past summer, a hike in HSL fares of 6.4 percent was on the table. HSL also previously stated that any increase in prices should be more heavily-weighted on season tickets, as single fare tickets are more often used by unemployed people and pensioners. The exact breakdown of the rise in fares will be decided by HSL at a later date. However, the decision to not increase fares by as much as was originally suggested will have a knock-on effect on municipalities covered by HSL services — as they will be left to pick up a larger share of the tab. HSL is facing financial pressure from several directions. The cities in the capital region have invested heavily in new rail and renovation projects, which is significantly increasing the level of infrastructure compensation HSL pays to municipalities. At the same time, the rise in the number of people working remotely since the Covid pandemic has directly impacted commuter traffic and HSL's revenue, as passenger numbers have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. HSL also announced a rise in 2025 ticket prices this time last year.
