The new law eased the regulations in the taxi industry. One of the most visible changes is the deregulation of pricing. As a result of the deregulation, fare meters are no longer mandatory, and the price of a journey can change depending on the day or even the time of day.
A second clear change concerns the types of vehicles that can be used as taxis. Now that the law has come into effect, a taxi can be a light quadricycle, lorry or three-wheeled vehicle.
The third major change is the fact that municipality restrictions are no longer in effect. For example, in principle, before the new law entered into force, only taxis from Vantaa could pick up passengers from the airport. Now that competition has been deregulated, any taxi drivers can drive to the airport to wait for customers whenever they wish.
These were the three main reasons Finavia decided to arrange a competitive tendering for taxi operations at the airport. Among other things, this allowed us to ensure that
- passengers can choose taxis that announce their prices publicly on the light boards at the taxi stand and that comply with the maximum rate specified in the competitive tendering.
- taxis are always available at the taxi station, including at night and during peak hours.
- the vehicles have low emissions and the drivers speak several languages.
- taxis drive to the airport in a controlled manner that does not result in traffic chaos.
Guide to the new taxi arrangements at Helsinki Airport
The taxi stations are located in front of the terminal. The location had to be changed, however, from in front of the exit of the terminal to the former short-term parking area so that all taxis waiting for customers at the airport would be able to fit.
The single taxi queue has been replaced by four taxi lanes.
- The three lanes closest to the terminal exit are reserved for the taxi companies that won the competitive tendering (Lähitaksi, Vantaan Taksi and Taksi Helsinki).
- The fourth is for other taxi operators.
- Beside there is also an area for pre-reserved rides.
The structural arrangements of the taxi station are still incomplete. The goal is to improve the signage and add weather covers. These arrangements will, however, be temporary as more changes will be made to the traffic arrangements by the end of this year at the latest. At that time, construction will begin on the new entrance to Helsinki Airport as well as the new arrival and departure halls
Taxi information and maps of the taxi lanes
Traffic rearrangements before the new taxi law
More information on the new taxi law on Trafi's website
Construction of the new entrance will begin by the end of the year
