Nurmijärvi votes to join Helsinki regional transport authority

Nurmijärvi municipal council decided Wednesday to join the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL), following a vote of 36 to 15 after a lengthy debate, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The decision determines how the municipality’s public transport will be organized from 2029 onward. Councilors also approved a focus on direct trunk lines in future services and assigned three follow-up motions for further preparation.

Supporters argued HSL membership would offer broader service coverage, lower fare prices, and more accessible low-floor buses—particularly beneficial for elderly residents and young commuters. Opponents raised concerns about diminished local decision-making power and potential neglect of outlying areas.

An alternative proposal had called for continued cooperation with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Traficom). Cost estimates for both options ranged between €2.4 million and €3.6 million annually, with pre-meeting analyses favoring HSL due to its lower ticket prices.