The Hindu Business Line : Trams, a century young in Helsinki

“I paid for the tickets over my mobile phone,” Ms Saara Rimon tells us — a group of Indian journalists she is shepherding around Helsinki — on a tram taking us to a meeting.

She has just sent an SMS to HKL (Helsinki City Transport), the authority that handles the public transport in Helsinki, and received a ticket, an SMS in response. The fare will be included in her mobile phone bill.

Her remark strikes home a point — not just that cash is out and plastic is in — in Helsinki, the 100-year-old tram network is changing with the times and is a vital component of the public transport system. A ticket bought over the mobile is valid on the metro, the feeder bus lines to the metro, and the ferry.

Suitable packages

But the trams are not just for commuters; it is a tourist-friendly option to go around the city, take in the sights, hop on and off as you please. The tickets are tailored to suit various needs — valid for single trips or for an hour or a few days. There is even a prepaid travel card that is considered economical for regular users – an electronic card reader on the tram keeps a tally.

The tickets are available at several outlets across the city, including HKL customer service points, ticket vending machines, and the ubiquitous R-Kiosks, a chain of convenience stores branded the Rkioski.

However, the traditional option is also open, just walk down the swaying coaches to the tram driver, pay cash and get a paper ticket printed out and the change.

The bright green, electric-powered coaches are a familiar sight any time of the day or night as they snake down the tracks, sharing the road space with cars, buses and two-wheelers, stopping at pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.

Ms Rimon from Finnfacts, an independent agency that promotes awareness of Finnish industry abroad, which organised the tour with the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, did caution us to watch out for the trams – they are big and fast and, if you get in their way, can cause a lot of damage.

Over 122 tramcars operate on 11 routes ferrying over 200,000 passengers daily.

“Public transport is easy to use in Helsinki, even if you’re not familiar with the city. The line network is comprehensive and vehicles are in good condition,” promises the HKL Web site and we saw that two tram routes, 3B and 3T, mean it literally.

They follow an identical circular route but in opposite directions covering most of the high spots and tourist attractions in Helsinki city. The route starts from the market square – Kauppatori – and treats the visitor to breathtaking views of the city with its cathedrals, statues and varied styles of architecture from centuries old to art nouveau and modern.

Those wanting to take a closer look can always hop off and know that the next tram on the same route is going to keep you on track to the starting point.

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