Espoo points the way: event ticket for public transport encourages sustainable mobility

The City of Espoo has offered event tickets in various events. In May, during a strategy seminar of Finland’s ten largest cities, participants were offered HSL event tickets. The offer was well received, as more than two thirds of participants (67.8%) used the event tickets.

- We believe that event tickets are a good incentive that encourage participants to try out public transport. Of course, we also like to show other Finnish cities how serious we are about reducing transport emissions”, explains Mari Päätalo, Development Manager for sustainable transport in the City of Espoo.

Many people might not see public transport as an easy and comfortable way for going to events, especially if they are held in an unfamiliar location. This can lead to people using taxis or private cars instead. The event tickets lower the threshold for trying a more sustainable alternative.

Participants have also praised the arrangement:

- As the organiser of the strategy seminar, I asked participants whether they had used the event tickets. Feedback from the participants was very positive. People felt that tickets for public transportation were a great addition to the event, as they made it easy to participate and move around, says Sanna Rönkkönen, Development Manager in the City of Espoo and organiser of the strategy seminar.

- Many participants considered this another successful solution in a well-planned event, Sanna Rönkkönen rejoices.

The City of Espoo has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. At present, transport accounts for about one third of climate emissions.