Tampere resident’s correction request for wrongful tram fine rejected due to late submission
The City of Tampere has rejected a correction request for an inspection fee issued after a passenger provided false personal details to a ticket inspector on a tram. The case has raised concerns over identity misuse and the handling of public transport fines.
The incident occurred when a passenger traveling without a ticket gave incorrect personal information to a ticket inspector in Tampere. The inspector verified the details in the population information system and issued a fine, which was sent by post in September 2025 to the individual whose identity had been used. Yle reports that the recipient of the bill filed a correction request in April, claiming they had not been on the tram at the time and that their identity had been stolen.
The request included a police report for identity theft, but the investigation was later discontinued as authorities could not determine who had provided the false details. According to Ilta-Sanomat, the person who received the bill also reported losing their credit information as a result of the case. They demanded the fine be annulled and their credit information restored.
In July, the City of Tampere rejected the correction request on the grounds that it was submitted too late. Yle states that passengers must request a correction within 14 days of the inspection fee being imposed. Riikka Salkonen, Customer Service Manager at Tampere Region Public Transport (Nysse), confirmed that passengers can provide personal details verbally if they do not have an ID, but inspectors are required to verify the information in the population register at the time of inspection.
Salkonen noted that cases of false personal details being provided are rare but constitute a criminal offense. She added that individuals who receive an inspection fee in error must file a correction request and provide proof that they were not using public transport at the time in question.