Helsinki Region Public Transport Safety Strategy 2012-2016:

Public transport operators in the Helsinki region signed a
Letter of Intent on the implementation of the measures set out in
the Public Transport Safety Strategy for 2012-2016 on Wednesday 28
March. The work to improve safety calls for an extensive network of
organizations and individuals,” says the Executive Director of HSL
Suvi Rihtniemi.

The main goal of the Helsinki region public transport safety
strategy is to ensure a safe environment for passengers and
transport staff. HSL proposes that surveillance is extended to
buses, trams and ferry services purchased by HSL. More robust
measures to tackle disturbances caused by drunk passengers are also
needed.  HSL will also increase safety advice and information to
passengers. 

Work safety is improved by security training and technical
tools.

The strategy is a result of cooperation between HSL and its
member municipalities, Finnish Transport Agency, Regional State
Administrative Agencies, police, Uusimaa Centre for Economic
Development, Finnish Transport Safety Agency, Emergency Response
Centre Administration, Helsinki City Rescue Department, Finnish
Public Transport Association, bus operators contracted to HSL and
transport staff. 

Discontinuation of ticket sales by drivers would improve the
safety of drivers

The safety strategy 2012-2016 has been updated to correspond to
the current safety requirements Quality requirements improving the
safety of passengers and staff, such as alarm buttons and safety
cabins for drivers as well as surveillance cameras that are already
being installed on buses, are emphasized in the tendering of public
transport services. Operators are also preparing to increase
occupational safety training for their staff as well as
instructions in case of difficult customer service situations and
violence. Increased surveillance is considered to be necessary in
particular on night services both onboard vehicles and at
terminals. HSL is also planning to trial discontinuation of ticket
sales by drivers. In the autumn, a trial will be carried out on
early morning routes leaving from Kamppi. During the trial, bus
drivers will not sell tickets on these routes.

Improved onboard safety equipment can affect also passenger
safety. HSL will increase safety advice to passengers during 2012
e.g. by providing passengers with practical advice in case of
disturbances prior to or during travel. The strategy also
highlights improving safety in the surroundings of bus terminals
e.g. by increasing camera surveillance and improving lighting. 

How is safety measured?

In future, public transport safety will be monitored using
indicators that help to create an overall view of the physical
safety of passengers and transport staff as well as their sense of
security and factors related to traffic safety. Questions about
safety will be included in HSL’s customer satisfaction survey and a
report on the safety situation will be published twice a year. A
transport staff safety survey will be conducted annually. The
safety indicators are used also to evaluate the safety of terminals
and stops.