Joakim Vigelius, a member of parliament and local councilor in Tampere, has expressed strong contempt for the city's new guidelines that restrict ticket inspectors from forcibly removing fare evaders from buses and trams. He labels this move as 'foolishness,' indicating that it hampers the inspectors' ability to do their essential work, while at the same time suggesting it actively encourages individuals to travel without tickets. Vigelius argues that such a policy could lead to increased pressure on responsible passengers to bear the cost, as fare evasion may grow without appropriate enforcement measures in place.

In his statements, Vigelius emphasizes that paying for a ticket should not be viewed as a voluntary donation. He insists that the existing framework for ticketing is both economically viable and morally sound, arguing that when people avoid paying their fares, they shift the financial burden onto those who do comply. This concern reflects a broader debate about the sustainability of public transport funding and the essential role of ticket enforcement in maintaining the system's integrity.

Tampere's deputy mayor, Ilkka Porttikivi, acknowledged in an interview that the enforcement of these guidelines may spark discussions. This issue touches on the balance cities must strike between ensuring fair access to public transportation and maintaining the necessary funding streams to keep such services operational. Vigelius's vehement response highlights the contentious nature of fare enforcement and public policy decisions in urban environments.