Temporary amendments to transport legislation enter into force on 1 June

Temporary amendments will be made to the legislation in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. They will facilitate business activities and people's daily lives and ensure well-functioning transport operations under the emergency conditions resulting from the coronavirus epidemic. 

The amendments concern several acts. On 28 May 2020, the Government proposed that the Acts be adopted. They will enter into force on 1 June 2020.

Changes to public transport routes and timetables

Through an amendment to the Act on Transport Services, the notification period of providers of passenger transport services will be shortened from 60 days to five days. This will provide the public transport operators an opportunity to change their timetables more quickly and so adapt their business operations to the changing circumstances.

Taxi driver's licence

An amendment to the Act on Transport Services will allow the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency to renew a taxi driver's licence so that the applicant submits the required medical certificate within six months of the renewal of the licence. This applies to licences that expire between 16 March and 31 October 2020.

Professional qualifications in maritime transport

The validity of professional qualifications in maritime transport, such as certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency and pilotage certificates, will be extended by six months from the date of renewal from 16 March to 31 October 2020. During this time, exemptions may also be made to the test pilotage requirement. In addition, a derogation from the competence provided for in the Safe Manning document may be applied from the Transport and Communications Agency. A skills test relating to the competence may be completed by 30 April 2021.

Ship security verifications

The amendments will allow the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency to authorise a classification society approved by it to carry out ship security verifications and to issue International Ship Security Certificates. These verifications are carried out on Finnish vessels that are abroad. Such a temporary authorisation will ensure smooth goods and freight transport services and will remain in force until 31 December 2020.

As a result of the amendment to the Register of Ships Act, a copy of a ship's document of title can be submitted instead of the original document. This change will remain in force until 31 October 2020.

The amendments will remain in force for a fixed period of a few months, but no longer than until 30 April 2021.

Inquiries:

Silja Ruokola, Director of Legal Affairs, tel. +358 295 34 2367

Rita Linna, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2559

Public transport timetables and routes: Monika Mutanen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 34 2125

Taxi driver's licence: Kreetta Simola, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2609

Professional qualifications in maritime transport: Katja Peltola, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 34 2031

Ship security verifications: Suvi Kankare, Coordinator, tel. +358 295 34 2105