The measures are part of the transport authority's operational and financial plans for the years 2027-2029, with a decision on the proposals coming later this year.File photo. Image: Vesa Marttinen / YleYle News10:15The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (acronymed as HSL in Finnish) has proposed raising the fine imposed on passengers travelling without a valid ticket from 100 to 130 euros.Helsinki city councillor Mirita Saxberg (NCP), who also chairs the HSL board, told Yle she is in favour of the proposal."Travelling without a ticket is a problem for HSL's finances and ticket revenue. In the name of fairness, it should be understood that if I don't pay, someone else pays," Saxberg said.The proposed increase is part of a package of operational and budgetary plans currently under consideration by the authority, which also include a rise in ticket prices of between 3 and 6 percent.HSL introduced a ticket price hike of 3.1 percent at the beginning of this year, when a 6 percent increase was also on the table.Saxberg noted that the HSL board opted for the smaller increase at the time because there was political agreement on gradual price development for the period 2026–2029 — and that a similar level of increase would be made annually.HSL decision later this yearThere has been a mixed reaction to the proposals among HSL's member municipalities.The Helsinki city council seems broadly in favour of the increase in penalty fines, but Vantaa's council has counter-proposed that HSL improve its inspection operations rather than handing out more severe penalties.By contrast, Helsinki would prefer to see a smaller rise in ticket prices, up to a maximum of 3.1 percent, while Vantaa's transport committee has deemed an increase of 4-5 percent to be justified.Mirita Saxberg is a Helsinki city councillor representing the National Coalition Party (NCP). She also serves as chair of the HSL board. Image: Antti Kolppo / YleAccording to Saxberg, the decision on raising fines and fares will rest on finding the right balance between ticket prices, good service levels, and municipal funding."These cannot be resolved as separate issues. If we want to keep price increases moderate while increasing public transport use, we must also ensure that costs are kept under control and municipal contributions are on a sustainable basis," she said.The decisions regarding the proposed increases will be made at a HSL board meeting later in the autumn, but an exact date is not currently known.