Korttiketjut

Korttiketjut is a Finnish term for electronic ticketing systems in public transport where tickets are stored on a physical card or similar token rather than on paper. In a korttiketti system, the card holds a stored value or time-based passes, and passengers validate their fare by tapping or presenting the card at a reader on buses, trams, trains, or entry gates.

Typical korttiketjut operate with reusable smart cards or contactless cards. A traveler loads money or purchases passes (such as single rides, day passes, or monthly/season passes) onto the card via online accounts, vending machines, or retail points. When boarding or entering a transport facility, the reader verifies the ticket stored on the card. Some networks also integrate with mobile apps, allowing digital versions of the same products or links to bank cards and wallets.

The use of korttiketjut began to expand in Finland in the late 1990s and 2000s as an alternative to disposable paper tickets. They have become common in many urban and regional networks, with regional examples such as the Helsinki metropolitan area where a stored-value smart card (HSL-kortti) is or has been used as a core part of the fare system. Over time, many systems have evolved to include digital and mobile ticketing options alongside traditional cards, enabling broader accessibility and fare integration across networks.

Advantages of korttiketjut include faster boarding, reduced handling of cash, and easier fare management across multiple services. Challenges include the cost of infrastructure and card management, the risk of lost or misplaced cards, and ongoing concerns around data privacy and system maintenance.