Helsinki public transport fares are at the center of a heated debate after the city board rejected planned price hikes for 2026. In a statement released on 1 September, the board urged the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) to rethink its pricing and funding strategies for the years 2026–2028.
The city board made it clear that fare increases must not exceed the general rise in the cost of living. It also stressed that the most commonly used tickets by Helsinki residents must remain affordable. For the year 2026, the city explicitly ruled out any fare hikes.
Board members highlighted that public transport in Helsinki must remain attractive and competitive. They demanded improvements in ticket product options to encourage more residents to use buses, trams, metro, and commuter trains. The board also pressed for closer cooperation between HSL and member municipalities to improve cost-efficiency and limit future price growth.
Passenger volumes have been weak due to ongoing construction works. The city emphasized that replacement services must be jointly planned with HSL and local municipalities to minimize disruptions.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) city board group strongly opposed any future fare increases. Elisa Gebhard, chair of the city council’s SDP group, confirmed that her party is committed to preventing price hikes.
“We are strongly against increasing prices. We are ready to work for that goal,” Gebhard said.
Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari added that SDP prioritises affordable and high-quality public transport to guarantee equal access for all residents.
HSL ticket prices have climbed sharply in the past decade. The SDP group blamed inflation, higher VAT on transport, and particularly the infrakorvausmalli compensation model, which shifts the costs of rail infrastructure directly onto passengers.
City board member Niilo Toivonen argued that this model unfairly penalises 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 underlined that rail projects remain crucial due to population growth, but the financing structure must be reformed.
The city has set a clear goal: during the 2025–2029 strategy period, it wants to reduce the real cost of fares compared to 2026. Without change, leaders warn, Helsinki risks becoming unaffordable for many residents.
Ville Jalovaara, another city board member, said that public transport is a basic necessity, not a luxury.
“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.
The city’s financial contribution to HSL will be decided during the autumn budget negotiations, where the debate over affordable public transport is expected to intensify.
