HSL increases ticket inspections and fines for underage fare evaders

Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports that Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) has intensified ticket inspections, including the use of plainclothes inspectors, to combat fare evasion. The transport authority can issue a €100 inspection fine to passengers over 15 years old caught travelling without a valid ticket, with unpaid fines enforceable through debt collection.

The issue has sparked recurring debate, particularly regarding the fairness of ticket pricing. Last winter, discussions arose when HSL introduced contactless payment options on its services. Some Helsinki politicians have pushed for free public transport to ensure mobility for low-income residents.

Yle is investigating how often minors receive inspection fines, the circumstances under which they are issued, and how frequently they go unpaid. The broadcaster has called for readers to share their experiences, particularly those involving underage fare evasion penalties.