HSL Proposes €130 Fine for Fare Evasion: Helsinki Backs Hike, Vantaa Says No

The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) is planning to increase the penalty fare for traveling without a valid ticket from 100 euros to 130 euros, reports Yle.

The proposal is part of a broader financial strategy for the coming years that will also include increases to standard ticket prices.

HSL operates the public transportation network across the Finnish capital region. It relies on a mix of ticket revenues and municipal subsidies to fund its trains, buses, and trams.

Like many European transit networks, HSL uses an open system where passengers are subject to random ticket inspections.

The proposed 30 percent increase to the inspection fee is dividing the largest member cities.

Helsinki supports the increase to 130 euros as a justified measure.

Vantaa opposes the hike, suggesting instead that HSL should improve its inspection operations to deter fare evasion.

According to Yle, Espoo will review the matter politically at the end of August.

Ticket prices will also go up

Mirita Saxberg, chair of the HSL board, supports the higher penalty fare. She noted that traveling without a ticket harms the financial stability and ticket revenue of the transport network.

“In the name of fairness, it should be understood that if I don’t pay, someone else pays,” Saxberg is quoted in Yle.

The final decision on the penalty fare will be made by the HSL board this autumn.

Beyond the penalty fine, HSL is also negotiating general ticket price increases for its 2027 to 2029 financial plan.

Member cities are currently debating whether to raise regular ticket prices by roughly 3.1 percent or opt for a steeper 6 percent increase.

A 3.1 percent hike mirrors current inflation estimates but carries more financial risk for the municipalities that subsidize the transit system.

Helsinki favours the 3.1 percent increase, provided the changes do not heavily impact the primary AB travel zones used by most daily commuters.

Vantaa has proposed a middle ground with a price increase of 4 to 5 percent.