HSL’s Interim Report: passenger numbers and ticket revenue on the rise

Between January and August, ridership on HSL’s services increased by 2.5 per cent from the same period last year. In 2019, the amount of ticket revenue collected will increase by four per cent from the previous year.

The number of journeys made on all modes of transport between January and August was higher than estimated in the spring. Ridership increased the most on the metro. If the trend continues for the rest of the year, the number of metro journeys made during the year will exceed HSL’s estimates by one million. Tram journeys have also increased more than anticipated when passengers have got used to the diversions caused by the upgrading of Hämeentie.  

HSL estimates that a total of 397 million passengers will use public transport in 2019, about 2.5 per cent more than last year.

Ticket revenue is estimated to amount to 386.7 million euros, which is 4.5 per cent more than in 2018, exceeding the budget by 3.7 per cent. That said, at the moment, forecasting ticket revenue is more difficult than usual because of the new fare zones introduced in late April. With only a few months experience of the new zones it is difficult to estimate how they will affect travel and ticket revenue.

Thanks to the increased ticket revenue, HSL’s operating income will this year exceed the budget by 1.7 per cent. Operating expenses are estimated to be 2.5 per cent less than budgeted due to lower than anticipated cost level. HSL expects to run a deficit of four million euros, while the budget provides for a loss of 36 million euros.