matkustajahintamenetelmään

Matkustajahintamenetelmä, known in English as the passenger-mile cost method or fare calculation method, is a pricing strategy used in public transportation, particularly in the rail sector. It determines the cost of a journey based on the distance traveled by each passenger. This method contrasts with flat-rate pricing, where the fare is the same regardless of the distance.

The core principle of matkustajahintamenetelmä is that longer journeys incur higher operational costs, such as fuel consumption, track wear, and staff time. Therefore, passengers traveling further are charged more than those making shorter trips. This approach aims to create a more equitable fare structure, reflecting the actual cost of providing the service to each individual.

Implementing this method typically involves sophisticated ticketing systems that record the origin and destination of each passenger. These systems can be automated through ticket gates or rely on passengers declaring their travel details when purchasing tickets. The calculation then multiplies the distance of each segment of the journey by a defined cost per passenger-kilometer.

While conceptually straightforward, the matkustajahintamenetelmä can be complex to administer. It requires accurate tracking of passenger movements and can lead to a wider range of ticket prices, potentially complicating fare collection and passenger understanding. However, it is often favored for its perceived fairness and its ability to align revenue with service delivery costs. This method is a common basis for setting fares in many national railway networks.