How we comply with the requirements of the new Communicable Diseases Act – passenger numbers are already at 55 per cent of normal levels

New restrictions are being introduced in Finland due to the escalating number of coronavirus cases. Our operations are particularly affected by the Communicable Diseases Act, which entered into force on Monday 22 February and which obliges public transport operators to take measures to ensure health security on public transport.

We have already implemented the majority of the measures laid down in the new law, and on average, the load rate on our services is less than 30 percent of the maximum capacity. In recent weeks, passenger numbers have been around 45 per cent lower than before the epidemic. As a result of the new restrictions, we expect the number of passengers to decrease even further. The new act makes it possible to limit the maximum number of passengers to 50 per cent of full capacity.

Following instructions is of utmost importance in order to keep public transport safe for all of us. Wear a face mask, avoid unnecessary talking when travelling, practice good hand hygiene, distance yourself from other passengers and buy your ticket without human contact, for example, using the HSL app or by topping up your HSL card online. Always cover your mouth and nose with a sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

We ask that passengers avoid travelling during the busiest times or wait for the next vehicle if the one they want to get on appears to be too full.

We would like to thank all our passengers for complying with the instructions. Let's all keep this up just a little longer!

This is how we comply with the requirements of the new Communicable Diseases Act point by point

When getting on and off a vehicle, passengers must be able to keep a two-meter distance at stations, terminals and other similar indoor areas as well as in closed-in outdoor spaces.

  • In principle, there is room to maintain sufficient distances at stations and terminals. Should problems occur, we are ready to take further action.

Facilities and surfaces intended for passenger use need to be cleaned regularly and more often.

  • We will continue to pay extra attention to the cleaning of facilities and vehicles, just like we have been doing since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic. Special attention is paid to surfaces that are touched regularly. For example, buses are cleaned at the terminals also during the day.

Other similar practices to curb the spread of infections will be followed.

  • We will instruct our operators to open all doors when the vehicle makes a stop. This will improve air circulation in the vehicle and thus reduce the risk of infection.

Passengers are provided with an opportunity to maintain an adequate level of hygiene onboard.

  • Hand sanitizer is available at HSL area metro and train stations. In addition, we will instruct both passengers and transport staff on the importance of following the coronavirus guidelines and wearing a face mask to be considerate of other people.

We will provide our passengers with instructions on keeping sufficient distance to other people, practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face masks and on other similar practices.

  • We will continue to inform passengers of the guidelines via all possible channels, for example, on digital displays and posters and via announcements.