Helsinki tests 10-minute public transport tickets

By admin On Feb 15, 2025

During the trial period, residents in certain postal code areas can purchase 10-minute single tickets. Photo: HSL

Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) has launched a pilot programme offering 10-minute public transport tickets in selected city districts. The three-month trial began on Wednesday and is available only to residents of four postal code areas: Punavuori, Eira, Vallila, and Alppila.

The short-duration tickets cost 1.90 euros in Punavuori and Alppila, and 2.20 euros in Vallila and Eira.

Unlike regular tickets, passengers must exit public transport before the 10-minute validity expires.

HSL says the trial aims to assess demand for short-term tickets and how pricing affects usage. The transport authority has previously received feedback from passengers requesting more flexible ticket options for short trips.

Reactions among passengers have been mixed. Some commuters find the time limit too restrictive. “I would increase it to 20 minutes,” said Noel Escartin, a high school student who takes the tram to Kallio. Others believe the ticket would be useful if priced lower. “It would be a great idea if it were around one euro,” said Helsinki resident Ulla Väisänen, surprised by the actual cost.

The trial does not introduce a long-demanded single-zone A-ticket, which would allow passengers to travel only within central Helsinki. Currently, even short city-centre trips require purchasing a two-zone AB ticket, priced at 3.20 euros.

HSL’s passenger numbers are recovering but remain below pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, more than 361 million trips were taken, compared to 396 million in 2019. Helsinki City Council leaders have supported lowering public transport fares and reforming HSL’s zone system to allow single-zone travel.

HSL has stated that the 10-minute ticket is not a permanent addition to its ticketing system but that data from the trial will inform future fare development. The experiment runs until mid-May, after which HSL will evaluate its impact.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi