Blog 1: Planning of the East Vantaa route network has started
A key focus of the route network plan is to examine the viability of current regional bus routes in particular and to improve feeder connections and flexibility of travel.
We have started preparing a route network plan for East Vantaa. Our aim is to better align service supply with demand and, through this, achieve savings in operating costs. In the planning bus routes in East Vantaa, we will take into account Vantaa light rail line 20, which is scheduled to be completed in 2029. The new service will have a major impact on construction and public transport service supply in the area.
The previous route network plan for East Vantaa (the Lahdenväylä Route Network Plan) was completed in 2017. The plan aimed to significantly increase passenger numbers. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a collapse in passenger numbers and reshaped travel habits, with lasting effects beyond the pandemic years. For example, remote working has reduced passenger numbers at peak times.
Despite this, overall passenger numbers are currently higher than before the pandemic. Leisure travel in particular has increased significantly, and it is important to continue supporting it with a good public transport service supply.
We develop public transport for its users
It is important that public transport planners understand the needs and views of passengers who use the current routes. In the planning, we take into account connections to schools and workplaces, as well as access to key services and recreational destinations. We make extensive use of existing customer insight and, where necessary, gather additional information from residents.
The new route network will be introduced in phases during 2028 and 2029.
Goals of the plan
- The future route network meets customers’ needs as effectively as possible.
- Savings in service costs: improving feeder connections within Vantaa and reviewing the viability of long regional routes.
- Active use of existing customer insights: What are current travel habits and needs like? Which connections are currently missing but would be in demand?
Planning area and bus routes
The planning area in Vantaa includes:
Hakunila, Vaarala, Länsimäki–Rajakylä, Itä-Hakkila, Sotunki, Kuninkaanmäki, Tikkurila, Jokiniemi, Koivukylä–Havukoski, Kuninkaala–Hakkila, Rekola, Päiväkumpu, Korso, Mikkola and Nikinmäki.
In Helsinki:
Tapulinkaupunki, Puistola–Heikinlaakso and Jakomäki–Alppikylä, as current bus routes also operate in these areas.
Bus routes particularly affected by the planning include:
Trunk bus route 570 and routes 571, 572, 587, 711(K), 721(N), 731(N), 734, 736, 737 and 739.
There may also be changes to other bus routes. Changes to bus routes may affect services outside the planning area.
Planning constraints
Route network planning is part of long-term planning.This means that we are currently focusing on planning routes and connections. More detailed planning of timetables and service frequencies will take place closer to the introduction of the routes.
In addition to the customer perspective, another planning constraint is the need to achieve cost savings in line with HSL’s strategy. In practice, this means reallocating service supply to areas with higher demand and cutting routes or increasing headways.
HSL’s Executive Board approved public transport planning guidelines in early 2026. According to the guidelines, the route network is planned with the aim of creating the most cost-effective route network possible. The planning must take into account the smoothness of journeys to work and school, connections to health and social services, and key leisure destinations.
Once completed, light rail line 20 will replace trunk bus route 570, as it will cover most of the bus route. As the tram service will partly overlap with existing bus routes, it is necessary to review current bus routes and services. It is also necessary to review route arrangements on sections of route 570 that will not be served by the tram, such as Jakomäki. The planning draws on the strategic-level Route Network 2040 work, which outlines guiding planning solutions for the route network once the Vantaa light rail has been completed.
Development of the urban environment in Helsinki, together with the ongoing North Helsinki Route Network Plan, creates a need to coordinate planning related to terminus arrangements in Hakaniemi, Railway Square and Kalasatama. The route network plans will be considered as a single entity to ensure sufficient terminal capacity and practical functionality. Services to Kalasatama and terminal arrangements there will be reviewed depending on whether the new terminal is completed during the timeframe covered by the route network plan.
Catchment area on light rail line 20 in East Vantaa.
Current customer insight
We use existing customer insight as baseline data for the East Vantaa route network plan. The baseline data includes:
- Locations of key services, workplaces, schools, and recreational destinations
- Extensive Travel Habit Survey (2024)
- Route-specific passenger numbers and cost-effectiveness
- Route-specific feedback
The extensive Travel Habit Survey covering the entire HSL area was carried out in 2024. Respondents recorded their travel habits on a map. The survey mapped journeys to work or school, leisure journeys, and places where people would like public transport services to be available. In addition to travel habits, the survey examined residents’ public transport and car use habits.