European community for mobility management

Public transport is meant to be just that - something that is for everyone. It is a democratic, sustainable mode of transport in our rapidly expanding metropolitan area. At its best, public transport is easy, affordable, reliable and safe. It provides a means of transport also for those who cannot or do not want to drive. Safety and the sense of safety are essential to good public transport service, which in its turn contributes to the vitality of the Helsinki region.

HSL has worked closely with various bodies in order to improve the safety of public transport. As a result of the work, a safety strategy has been created. The key principle of the strategy is that everyone has the right to travel or work in peace on a train, bus, Metro, tram, or ferry without fear of physical or verbal abuse. Any bad behavior and violation of human dignity are not acceptable on public transport. By contrast, let us cultivate good manners. 

Serious incidents on public transport tend to get wide media attention. This may create a feeling that public transport is less safe than before. It is not. Quite the opposite, the risk of getting injured while traveling on public transport is significantly lower than the risk of getting injured while driving. Moreover, the popularity of public transport has a positive impact on traffic safety in general.
Things are not bad, but they can always be better. It is not enough that public transport service providers improve safety. Our most important partner in cooperation in improving safety are the passengers. When the users of public transport respect fellow passengers and public transport workers and help each other in various situations, it has an immense impact on the atmosphere on public transport vehicles. We need tolerance and helping each other, not indifference. 

Helsinki Region Transport, Helsinki City Transport, VR, Eläköön.fi traffic safety campaign and Veolia Transport Finland are challenging the residents of Helsinki region to make 2012 a year of travel peace. They ask all public transport passengers to sign the declaration at Matkarauhaa.fi, and to share own wishes at the website (the website is in Finnish only, but they are welcome to write in English). All those who submit their own wishes at the website, participate in a prize draw for five HSL season tickets for one year (365-day season ticket) loaded on a personal Travel Card. The prize is worth EUR 1,466.70. The passengers’ wishes will be used as a basis for safety instructions for passengers on HSL’s public transport services. They will also be compiled into a book to be handed to the next President of Finland.

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