Research

Research data is needed to support public transport planning.

HSL conducts passenger satisfaction surveys year-round to measure customers' satisfaction with public transport services. The surveys are conducted on different modes of transport and a total of over 20,000 passengers participate in the surveys annually. HSL also takes part in the international BEST survey, which is conducted annually in the participating European cities as a telephone survey.

HSL also monitors the public transport passenger numbers.  Passenger numbers on bus services are obtained from the Travel Card system, while passenger numbers on the Metro are collected through automated passenger counting. For tram services, the figures are determined by manual counting.

Also so called one-off surveys are utilized in the planning. These surveys can be used to gather information e.g. on passengers’ experiences of a new route or transport needs of a new residential area.

HSL conducts also other types of studies and surveys in addition to surveys related directly to public transport.  HSL conducts e.g. origin-destination surveys and pedestrian and bicycle traffic studies, as well as monitors traffic volumes and speeds and trends in the modal split and car ownership.