Ticket prices for public transport in the Helsinki region will rise by an average of 1.8 percent at the start of 2027. The HSL board decided on the increase on Tuesday, Yle reported.
The increase is smaller than first planned. In early autumn an average rise of 3.1 percent was still on the table. On the most popular AB zone, an adult single ticket goes up 1.5 percent, from 3.30 euros to 3.35 euros.
Single tickets for children and for the 50 percent discount group stay unchanged in all zones. The biggest increases, around three percent, fall on adult and child day tickets and their additional days.
The rise stays just below the 1.9 percent inflation forecast. Helsinki's city strategy states that real prices for public transport must not go up. A return proposal supported by the Greens, the Left Alliance and some SDP members fell in a vote.
Amanda Alvesalo of the Greens called the new hit on student ticket prices unreasonable.
The HSL inspection fee stays at 100 euros next year after a proposal to raise it to 130 euros was rejected during the autumn. "We have had a clear signal from the municipalities that the inspection fee is not to be raised," said board chair Mirita Saxberg of the National Coalition Party. She said it was important to examine whether the fee could be lowered, for example for minors, even if that would require a change in the law.
HSL's deficit will be smaller than forecast, now around six million euros, against more than 14 million budgeted. Operating costs are also expected to come in under budget. "The economy is still in deficit, and pressure remains," Saxberg said.
She said passenger numbers and ticket revenue have developed well and HSL is approaching its 2019 record level.