Feelings of insecurity are affecting the use of public transport in the capital region, according to a recent survey commissioned by the cities of Helsinki and Espoo.
The survey gathered responses from more than 1,000 residents, with 41 percent saying they had experienced safety-related issues while using public transport.
Among women, 43 percent reported such experiences, compared with 30 percent of men. Some respondents said they had stopped using commuter trains because of safety concerns.
The most common sources of insecurity were disruptive behaviour and individuals or groups perceived as threatening at stations and on public transport services.
Many respondents said they preferred to drive owing to these issues.
