Ticket inspections will be carried out by plain-clothed ticket inspectors on all public transport vehicles more extensively during 2025. Compared to the previous years, we will significantly step up plain clothes inspections.
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.
We will step up plain clothes inspections 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, approximately 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," says Satu Koskinen, Head of the Ticket Inspection Unit.