Various quality criteria were considered for the submitted tenders. These included driver training, quality of the customer service as well as fleet size and it being emission-free. The City of Helsinki carried out a competitive tender at the initiative of Mayor Juhana Vartiainen, as the square had seen repeated disturbances, which were felt by both residents and tourists, due to the excess amount of taxis and perceived variance in service quality.
“I am pleased that the City now has high-quality partners at a key location in the city. Customers will now be able to rely on clear taxi pricing and taxi drivers who have been trained in predictive, safe driving and awareness of the needs of special groups,” says Mayor Vartiainen.
The needs of people with visual and mobility impairments were considered in the competition in terms of the fleet as well. In terms of customer service, the criteria included the number of feedback channels and time spent on processing feedback.
The tender also sought a control operator for Asema-aukio Square. Taxi Point Oy will install a barrier at the square that will identify the cars of the winning companies. The control operator will also keep the City up-to-date on the situation of Asema-aukio Square.
The City will monitor how this changes impacts the nearby area and react appropriately, if needed. It is intended that the new arrangements are in place this summer.
The Urban Environment Committee’s Buildings and Public Areas Sub-committee will process the competitive tender on 6 February.
- Kaupunkiympäristölautakunnan rakennusten ja yleisten alueiden jaosto 2/2025 (In Finnish)(Link leads to external service)
- Hel.fi: Tendering process starts for Asema-aukio Square taxi rank (28.11.2024)
- Kaupunkiympäristölautakunnan päätös 11.6.2024: Asema-aukion taksiaseman kilpailutuksen periaatteet (In Finnish)(Link leads to external service)