Transport system and its planning

The term transport system refers to mobility as a whole covering people’s mobility needs, transport network and services related to the network, such as public transport.  A well-functioning transport system is vital both for everyday journeys to work, school or shopping and for deliveries to stores and businesses.

Transport system planning takes an overall view on transport and mobility. The plan addresses regional and urban structure, land use, the physical layout of the system and its functioning, as well as financing and cooperation.

Comprehensive strategic planning

The transport system plan is a strategic, long-term plan that defines common guidelines for transport system development and aligns regional transport policy. A balanced transport system is created by comprehensive planning that takes into account not only traffic patterns but also land use and urban structure. Instead of focusing on individual projects, comprehensive planning takes an overall view of the system considering the impacts of different modes of travel on mobility, integrated use of different modes of travel and travel chains.

The preparation of the Helsinki Region Transport System Plan (HLJ 2011) ties in with land use, housing and transport cooperation in the Helsinki region (so called MAL cooperation). Land use and urban structure have significant impacts on mobility demand and modes of travel. The aim is to concentrate new land use along good public transport connections, especially along rail lines.

HLJ 2011 includes a traffic forecast which projects traffic volumes up until 2050. The extensive traffic survey carried out in 2007-2008 provides background information for the forecast, including information on mobility patterns of the residents of the Helsinki region.