Theatre tickets with bus fares included is insightful service

The multifaceted cooperation between Turku City Theatre and Föli benefits theatre-goers and employees alike. It also demonstrates the theatre’s commitment to climate action.

A wonderful and memorable night at the theatre is made up of much more than what happens on stage. 

Other elements include how you get there, what you eat and drink, and everything else you encounter as a visitor before and after the show – it is all an important part of a successful experience.      

The Turku City Theatre knows the importance of a pleasant experience and is prepared to invest in it. One good example is that each ticket includes bus fares, making it easier to get to the show.

The Theatre has been a pioneer of working with Föli – having started in 2018, the cooperation scheme was the first of its kind for Föli. Annika Suoniemi, who attends theatre shows often, has been happy with the combination of theatre ticket and bus fare.

“I think it’s a great idea. With your bus fare covered at no extra cost, you’re more likely to leave your car at home. There aren’t too many parking spaces at the theatre anyway.”

Suoniemi believes that when getting to the theatre as easy and uncomplicated as possible, it lowers the bar of accessing cultural experiences.

“You can focus on enjoying the experience without stressing about traffic or parking. Just hop on a Föli bus with your theatre ticket.”

A Föli ticket is included in all tickets purchased from Turku City Theatre. The fare is redeemed by scanning the bar code with the reader on the bus. The Föli ticket is valid 3 hours before and 3 hours after the show.

Incentive for employees as well

The employees of Turku City Theatre are also encouraged to choose environmentally-friendly public transport instead of driving a car.

The Föli commuter travel benefit for travel cards makes public transport an even more attractive option for theatre staff. Arttu Aarnio, Master of Lighting at the Theatre, uses the benefit frequently.

“Taking the bus feels more relaxing than driving or riding a bike. There is a lot of traffic in the city centre, you can’t help but feel rushed among all those cars.”

Encouraging theatre-goers and employees to use Föli has a practical aspect as well: with the big renovations of the eastern riverbank in Turku, the road in front of the theatre is completely cut off for cars.

“Parking is currently a challenge for us at the theatre, especially with the construction site for the new Turku Music Hall Fuuga just next door.”

Aarnio thinks that the commuter benefit sends a positive message from the employer to the employees while improving job satisfaction in the community. At the same time, it encourages climate-friendly choices in everyday commuting.

“I personally really appreciate this kind of incentive. And I believe that both sides benefit from this arrangement.”