Tendering process starts for Asema-aukio Square taxi rank

The City of Helsinki has launched a tender to select two taxi operators that will be responsible for all services at the Asema-aukio Square taxi rank in the future. The call for tenders is open until 8 January.

In the evaluation of tenders, the City emphasises factors related to the quality of operations. 

–  Asema-aukio Square is a busy location in front of the Helsinki Central Railway Station, and the taxi rank must be able to offer high-quality services to all customer groups, says mayor Juhana Vartiainen.

The operators must take into account factors such as their vehicles’ accessibility to visually impaired and disabled customers. Points are also awarded for a high proportion of zero-emission vehicles in the taxi fleet. The pricing of taxi services must be clear.

The objective of the tender is to improve the perceived quality, reliability and safety of taxi services at the square from the perspectives of city residents, tourists and service providers alike. The current situation causes nuisance due to the large number of taxis and the variation in quality, as well as occasional disturbances and long queues.

In the course of this year, the City has engaged in market dialogue with operators in the taxi sector. Based on this dialogue, the City has developed the traffic arrangements and operating model that will be implemented after the tendering process.

The tendering process is based on the decision made by the Urban Environment Committee last summer. After the tendering process, the Buildings and Public Areas Sub-Committee of the Urban Environment Committee will decide on the selection of the taxi operators. The matter is expected to be presented to the sub-committee in February. The City aims to have the new arrangements in place by summer 2025.