Statement: Unreasonable increases in public transport prices threaten the poor and students

Yle reported on August 14th that HSL has proposed price increases for 2026–2028, which would mean an increase in the price of a 30-day AB zone ticket to almost 90 euros and a single ticket to approximately 3.85 euros.

The World Student Capital network and the student unions of the higher education institutions in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area that belong to it are concerned about the ongoing trend of increasing public transport prices instead of finding alternative financing models. The current price level of the AB ticket (single adult ticket 3.20 euros and season ticket 72.10 euros) is already unreasonably high for some families living in the suburbs and for those who occasionally make short trips in the inner city.

In the WSC network, we are particularly concerned about how the increases will affect students in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Higher education students have long been in a difficult financial position. The student grant and housing supplement are not able to cover the costs of living and studying, which is why more and more people have to resort to student loans, working or savings. Building students’ livelihoods on uncertain and burdensome choices is an unsustainable and unfair equation. Possible increases would further complicate students’ financial situation, their ability to participate in studies and be part of the higher education community.

We commend the Espoo decision-makers and the Helsinki City Board for their strict negative stance on the pressure to increase HSL’s ticket prices, as well as their vision of separating infrastructure compensation from ticket prices. The current model, in which HSL pays compensation to municipalities for example for the use of trams, has created constant pressure to raise public transport ticket prices, and there is a clear change that can curb increases.

The HSL board and other owner municipalities must take a responsible and customer-oriented approach to public transport pricing. Price increases must not prevent residents from using public transport, but it must be attractive and accessible to everyone. More sustainable financing models and forms of cooperation must be found that do not put an unreasonable burden on the wallets of city residents and students who are already in a difficult situation. Public transport should be part of sustainable and fair urban development, not a burden that marginalizes some residents.

Signed:

Senja Suntola

Chairperson of the student union HUMAKO

Viena Pentikäinen

Chairperson of WSC*

*Members of WSC include:

The Student Union of the University of the Arts (TaiYo),

The Student Union of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (O’Diako),

The Student Union of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Helga),

The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY),

The Student Union of Humak University of Applied Sciences (HUMAKO),

The Student Union of Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Laureamko),

The Student Union of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (METKA),

Svenska Handelshögskolans Studentkår (SHS) and

Arcada Studerandekår – ASK.