HSL intensifies ticket inspection on public transport

The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (Helsingin seudun liikenne – HSL) will significantly step up ticket inspections conducted by plain-clothed ticket inspectors during 2025, said HSL in a press release on Thursday.

Plain-clothed ticket inspectors are dressed in civilian clothes rather than in uniform. The goal of using non-uniformed ticket inspectors is to prevent and reduce fare evasion.

Ticket inspections will be carried out by plain-clothed ticket inspectors on all public transport vehicles more extensively.

Moreover, plain clothes inspections will provide the authority with a more accurate understanding of the number of passengers travelling without a ticket.

Plain-clothed ticket inspectors do not wear uniforms but will otherwise inspect tickets in the same manner as uniformed inspectors.

Plain-clothed ticket inspectors may also be accompanied by security guards and always carry a visible police-issued inspection pass, which proves their right to inspect tickets. Passengers always have the right to see the inspection pass upon request.

The HSL took the measures because, based on both collected data and inspectors' observations, fare evasion is clearly more common compared to inspections conducted by uniformed inspectors.

This is partly explained by the fact that passengers travelling without a ticket often recognize inspectors by their uniforms and leave the vehicle before the inspection takes place.

The aim of plain clothes inspections is not only to prevent and reduce fare evasion but also to obtain a more accurate picture of fare evasion.

According to the latest estimate, about 40 million euros are lost annually due to fare evasion.

“The aim of ticket inspections is to minimize fare evasion and thereby secure HSL's ticket revenue. Therefore, the goal is not to issue as many inspection fees as possible. Rather, the inspectors are there for the passengers, providing support and assistance with travel-related matters and also contributing to passenger safety on public transport," said Satu Koskinen, Head of the Ticket Inspection Unit of HSL.