Föli’s popularity continues to increase

In August 2023, more than 2 million trips were made using Föli, the public transport provider in the Turku region. Since the start of the year, Föli passengers have made nearly 16.5 million trips in total. 

August was the best summer month in Föli’s history 

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the annual number of Föli trips was 27 million at its peak. Föli's all-time travel record was made in March 2017, with more than 2.7 million trips made during the month. Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, Föli’s passenger numbers decreased dramatically, reaching a low of around 600,000 trips in April 2020. However, the number of Föli passengers has steadily increased throughout 2023. From the beginning of the year to the end of August, Föli passengers have made almost 16.5 million trips in total. The summer months are typically quieter for public transport, with people making markedly fewer journeys than in the winter season. After the summer, the number of passengers typically increases as people return to their offices and schools. This August saw a record number of 2,053,000 trips, which is more than any previous August in Föli's history. Föli began operating in 2014.

In addition to the end of the coronavirus pandemic and holiday season, this increase in travel volumes is the result of various other factors. Föli was able to resume operating the stops around the Market Square in late autumn 2022 after having to rely on temporary stops and routes since 2018. 

- The move back to Turku Market Square has helped streamline Föli’s public transport services and make using them a whole lot easier. For example, the new bus stop areas make switching between lines a breeze. The new stops at the Market Square also feature new real-time timetable displays that improve the information offered to passengers, making it easier to use public transport, says Public Transport Director Sirpa Korte.

The increase in living costs, as well as other issues, such as rising fuel prices, likely contributed to Föli’s increasing travel volumes. In addition, Föli’s renewed selection of services has probably helped boost the use of public transport.

- We can assume that high fuel prices have influenced how people choose to travel this year, with more and more people electing to take the bus to work rather than their car, for example. In addition to Föli's affordability, its quiet and comfortable electric buses, which already account for around half of its travel distances, have certainly helped increase its attractiveness. In 2021, Föli introduced contactless payments, which are great for occasional trips. The increase in occasional travel is also likely the result of having more and more events that include Föli trips in their tickets. Another contributing factor is that this August was exceptionally rainy. All in all, the increase in passenger numbers is the sum of many parts, and we are very satisfied with our current travel volumes, Korte continues.

The Föli area currently includes Turku, Raisio, Naantali, Rusko, Lieto, and Kaarina. Paimio is set to join Föli next year, with joint traffic operations starting on 1 July 2024.

- Paimio’s inclusion to the Föli area will bring a lot of new customers and provide even more travel options to existing customers. And Föli will continue to operate with the same flat rate, allowing people to travel between all seven municipalities at the same affordable price, Korte concludes.