HSL responds as insecurity drives passengers away from public transport

A sense of insecurity is reducing the use of public transport in Helsinki and Espoo, according to a new survey reported by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The survey, commissioned by the cities of Helsinki and Espoo, found that 43 percent of women and 30 percent of men feel unsafe using public transport. Some respondents had stopped traveling by commuter train due to fear.

Janne Lohilahti, HSL’s security expert, said the findings align with the transport agency’s own research. “The same themes recur: disruptive behavior, the bleakness of stations in the evenings, and street areas around transfer points,” he told Yle.

However, Lohilahti emphasized that public transport remains statistically very safe. “It is one of the safest ways to move around the city. Becoming a victim of crime in public transport is extremely rare.”

The survey also revealed that 59 percent of respondents did not report any security concerns. About three-quarters of respondents were women, and 65 percent lived in Espoo.

Lohilahti noted that women systematically experience more insecurity across all modes of transport, and Espoo’s commuter rail network differs from Helsinki’s denser inner-city system.

To address concerns, HSL is increasing order maintenance on commuter trains starting in June. The agency’s security control center operates 24/7, and emergency contact numbers have been added to its mobile app and vehicles.

“Order maintenance is directed to areas with recurring disturbances, though currently, no such hotspots have been identified,” Lohilahti said.

According to the latest international BEST study, HSL passengers rank 13th in satisfaction among European cities, higher than other Nordic capitals. HSL’s own research also shows that customers are generally satisfied, with metro safety perceptions improving in recent years. Buses and trams are seen as the safest modes of transport.