Töölö tram works draw repeated abuse against workers

Workers on Helsinki’s West Tramways project have faced repeated harassment in the Töölö neighbourhood, including being shouted at, spat on and hit with plastic bottles thrown from an apartment window, Yle reports.

Anton Silvo, the project director representing the City of Helsinki, said the incidents had occurred mainly on Hesperiankatu and Runeberginkatu, where street works began this autumn. The project reported the behaviour this week and described it as exceptional in Töölö.

The West Tramways project will build more than 10 kilometres of rapid tram line from central Helsinki to Kannelmäki. In Töölö, workers are also renewing water and sewer pipes and building additional tram tracks and cycle lanes. Parking spaces in the neighbourhood will be reduced, and work is expected to continue there until 2032.

Silvo said the hostility could be linked to online debate over transport and to the city’s policy of promoting public transport and cycling. He also pointed to repeated street renovations in Töölö, including works on Mechelininkatu, Mannerheimintie, Töölönlahdenranta and Runeberginkatu.

Residents interviewed by Yle condemned the harassment but said they understood the frustration caused by the works. Töölö resident Kaisa Robbins said people were often unsure where to walk and did not know what was happening on their own streets. She blamed poor communication and said there should be a clearly displayed phone number for complaints, rather than workers becoming targets of residents’ anger.

Silvo said the project had tried to account for residents’ wishes when planning parking. He urged people to treat workers respectfully, noting that the project also involves rebuilding water services, not only adding cycle routes.