Plain-clothes ticket inspectors on the buses and trams
– Over the years, passengers have given us plenty of feedback on plain-clothes ticket inspectors. For a few weeks, we have been trialling this practice, says deputy supervisor of the ticket inspectors, Merja Lahtinen.
– We currently have ten ticket inspectors, which has made it easier to develop our operation, says Lahtinen.
Passenger feedback on plain-clothes inspectors has been positive,” according to ticket inspectors Jarmo Nuora and Juha Salonen. They also think lighter clothing during this summer’s heatwave improved their working conditions.
Tickets inspectors are public authorities
Ticket inspections in the Nysse buses and trams is an official duty of the authority of the City of Tampere. Ticket inspections haven’t been needed at Tampere for very long. Full-time inspectors have been on the job for only four years, and passengers have wanted the inspectors to work in plain clothes from the start. To make sure that all passengers are treated equally, it is important that everybody pays the correct fare. When the inspectors wear plain clothes, their work is more of a surprise.
Plain-clothes inspectors show inspector’s badge at the start of an inspection
A ticket inspection always begins with the inspectors announcing themselves: “Good day, tickets please.” The inspectors pull out their inspector badges, which they receive from the police. After the inspection begins, passengers may no longer buy tickets. Passengers must have a ticket before getting on board and the tickets must be stamped with the ticketing device. Mobile tickets must be bought before boarding as well. Passengers without a ticket must buy one from the bus or tram ticketing device with a payment card.
According to the ticket inspectors, most passengers do buy and stamp their tickets correctly. The most common excuses they hear from passengers without a ticket or the wrong type of ticket are that they were in a rush or that their phone battery ran out. They may also have selected the wrong zone.
The inspectors carry mobile devices that check the passengers’ tickets and payment cards. If the passenger doesn't have a ticket, it hasn't been stamped, was bought late or is the wrong type, they will be issued an € 80 inspection fee on a bank transfer form.
Find out what ticket you need in advance
Inspectors want to encourage passengers to read about the different ticket types on the Nysse website. For example, a passenger’s bike needs a single ticket from the bicyclist’s age group. The inspectors are happy to help passengers, so don’t hesitate to ask. Using contactless payment by bank card or similar to buy a ticket is one of the most usual questions.
– Us inspectors are the face of Nysse on the buses and trams. It’s our honour to be of service to the passengers. We are always trying to improve the way we work, including by listening to passenger feedback, says Merja Lahtinen.
Customer feedback, 31 July 2025: “I saw my first plain-clothes ticket inspection today. Thank you so much. You’re sure to catch more people without a ticket when you’re not in uniforms that stand out. “
