# Gingerbread Cookie Payment Services A Finnish Bus Company Lets Riders Pay with Gingerbread Cookies By Michael Nieto | Published 2013-12-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ginger-bread-cookie References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/362809/Finnish-Bus-Company-Lets-Riders-Pay-For-Trips-With-Gingerbread-Cookies/) & [yle.fi](http://yle.fi/uutiset/matkahuollon_piparikampanja_meni_murusiksi/6988361) In Finland there is a bus company that allows riders to pay for a fare with a gingerbread cookie during the holidays. The company named 'Matkahuolto' makes it fun and easy to travel during the holidays. It also serves a good cause since it prevents people from drinking and driving. This promotion went viral as people started tweeting '#piparilippu' meaning 'cookie ticket' on [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/early-christmas-decoration). The promotion then lead to disappointment due to a shortage of free tickets from the company as their actual [holiday pass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chip-city-cookies-holiday-range). This creative idea would have been more successful and practical if [gingerbread cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-cookie-ice-cream) were replaced with another item such as charity goods. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Alternative Payment Methods:** The use of gingerbread cookies as a form of payment presents an opportunity to explore alternative payment methods using non-traditional items. - **Holiday Promotions:** This viral campaign demonstrates the impact of creative holiday promotions on customer engagement and brand awareness. - **Preventing Drunk Driving:** By promoting a safe and festive way to travel during the holidays, companies can tap into the trend of preventing drunk driving and improve their public image. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** Transportation companies can explore the use of fun and creative payment methods to increase customer engagement and satisfaction. - **Retail:** Retail companies can leverage holiday promotions to increase sales and brand awareness, while also promoting charitable causes. - **Social Media Marketing:** The success of this campaign highlights the potential of social media marketing in generating viral content and increasing brand visibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ready-to-Decorate Christmas Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcghees-bakery-gingerbread-men.md) - [Cookie-Forward Branded Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-cookie-days.md) - [Cookie-Enhanced Airline Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookie-department.md) - [Complimentary Cookie Courier Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-insomnia-cookies.md) - [Footlong Gingerbread Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/footlong-gingerbread-cookie.md) - [Crispy Seasonal Cookie Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fancypants-ginger-snap-cookies.md) - [Cookie-Supported Beer Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levain-bakery1.md) - [Golden Croissant Prize Hunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-croissant.md) - [Shortbread-Themed Holiday Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shortbread-village-popup.md)