Taxi fares in Central Ostrobothnia soar as statistics reveal highest index in Finland

In Central Ostrobothnia, taxi fares are among the highest in Finland, according to recent statistics. The Taxi Index, which reflects actual fare information reported to Traficom by dispatch centers, was established with a baseline of 100 in 2018, following the deregulation of taxi pricing. Currently, Central Ostrobothnia has the highest index at 131, while nearby regions such as Ostrobothnia and South Ostrobothnia report values of 121 and 118.6, respectively. In contrast, Uusimaa has the lowest index at 80.

Aleksi Paimander, a specialist at Traficom, noted that taxi app services have generally kept fare increases in check, although this trend is less evident in areas like Ostrobothnia where such services are not widely used. He indicated that the number of taxis in an area does not necessarily determine fare trends. Recent data shows that taxi fares in these regions increased significantly after the spring of 2023, potentially linked to shifts in pricing strategies among taxi operators.

Kenneth Blomqvist, chairman of the Central Ostrobothnia taxi drivers’ association, explained that ongoing competitions for fares are contributing to higher prices. He remarked that these tend to leave little profit for drivers, causing concerns about income, especially as fuel prices fluctuate.

While competitive pricing is commonplace, passengers rarely inquire about costs, as fare schedules are displayed prominently. Blomqvist observed a noticeable rise in fare indices earlier this year, acknowledging multiple factors influencing consumer taxi rates. Furthermore, social service rides, such as those funded by Kela, account for around 20% of taxi drivers’ earnings, which is a relatively small portion when considering overall profitability.