Hämeenlinna makes bus rides free for caregivers with prams

The Finnish city of Hämeenlinna has begun a trial offering free bus rides to caregivers travelling with a pram or stroller carrying a child aged six or younger, Yle reports. The trial started in mid-September and is due to run until the beginning of next June.

The arrangement has long been available in several larger cities, including Helsinki, Tampere and Oulu. Hämeenlinna residents had also called for free travel for people with prams.

The change has prompted questions about whether people using wheelchairs or rollators should receive the same benefit. Marko Leimio, a specialist at the Office of the Equality Ombudsman, says giving free travel to one group can raise concerns if there are not sound grounds for doing so. But he says such a measure can also promote equality when it is justified and proportionate, and may prevent discrimination in some cases.

Parents in Hämeenlinna have welcomed the change, saying it makes bus travel safer. A caregiver no longer has to leave a child and pram unattended in the middle of the bus while going to the driver to pay. Leimio says safety can be a valid reason for offering free travel.

The city is aware of its obligations on equality, says public transport planner Suvi Ahola. The public transport committee will consider in November whether any other groups could qualify for free bus rides.

The trial will also help the city assess how many passengers use the benefit and whether there is enough space for prams. Older buses had limited room, but the fleet has since been renewed and more spaces for prams added. The city estimates that free rides for caregivers with prams will reduce fare revenue by about 10,000 euros a year.

Hämeenlinna was the first city in Finland to receive UNICEF’s Child Friendly City designation. It has only now introduced free bus travel for caregivers with prams.