A commuter train at Helsinki Central Railway Station. Photo: Eeva-Maria Brotherus / Lehtikuva
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Helsinki’s city board has rejected planned public transport fare increases for 2026 and urged the regional transport authority HSL to revise its pricing and funding strategies. The decision came in a formal statement issued on 1 September in response to HSL’s draft operational and financial plan for 2026–2028.
The board stated that fare increases must not exceed general cost-of-living rises and said the most-used ticket types by Helsinki residents must remain affordable. The city does not support any fare hikes for 2026.
The board called for improvements in ticket product offerings to strengthen the appeal of public transport. It also emphasised the need to begin cooperation between HSL and municipalities to improve cost-efficiency and restrain price growth.
Construction works were identified as a key reason for weak passenger volumes. The city said joint planning of replacement services during disruptions must continue with member municipalities and HSL.
The city’s stance on HSL’s fare policy was echoed by the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) city board group, which opposed future price increases and demanded structural reform of HSL’s financing.
Elisa Gebhard, chair of the city council’s SDP group, said her party was committed to preventing fare hikes.
“We are strongly against increasing prices. We are ready to work for that goal,” Gebhard said.
The city’s financial contribution to HSL is decided annually during autumn budget negotiations.
Johanna Laisaari, deputy mayor, said SDP prioritised affordable and high-quality public transport to guarantee equal access.
HSL ticket prices have risen sharply in the past decade. The SDP group blamed inflation, increased VAT on transport, and especially the “infrakorvausmalli” compensation model, which shifts rail infrastructure costs to passengers.
Niilo Toivonen, a city board member, said the model unfairly penalised Helsinki residents.
“This compensation model is the root cause of high prices. Major and necessary rail investments are paid directly by passengers. That reduces funding for other services and makes the system unjust and ineffective,” Toivonen said.
He added that while rail projects are essential due to population growth, the financing structure must change.
The SDP group said other major parties had failed to address the issue in previous council terms.
Helsinki’s goal is to reduce the real cost of fares during the 2025–2029 strategy period compared to 2026. The group warned that the city risks becoming unaffordable unless the cycle is broken.
Ville Jalovaara, a city board member, said many residents rely on public transport and cannot afford high ticket prices.
“Public transport is a lifeline, especially for people in suburbs. It is wrong if they must choose between poor service or unaffordable fares. This will continue until the current compensation model is fixed. We want that flaw corrected now,” Jalovaara said.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
