1st blog: Planning of the North Helsinki route network has begun

Why is the route network being redesigned? 

We have launched the redesign of the bus route network in North and North East Helsinki. The area’s route network needs to be updated in response to changes in travel needs and land use, as well as HSL’s strategic goals. In many areas, the route network has remained largely unchanged for a long time despite changes in population, workplace locations, travel habits and demand for public transport.  

HSL’s strategy aims to increase the use of public transport in a more cost-effective way. A key aim of the route network plan is to achieve savings in operating costs. At the same time, we want to make the route network as effective as possible, find solutions that allow public transport to meet the travel needs of residents and other users as well as possible and allocate services to where demand is highest. 

The plan is based on extensive customer insight, passenger numbers, travel surveys and other background information. We develop public transport for its users, which is why understanding the needs and views of those who use the services is central to our planning. We use comprehensive existing customer insight and will gather additional information from residents in the planning area to deepen our understanding of local travel needs.  

Blue bus 55.

Primary goals of the route network plan

We will create a cost-effective route network that makes the best use of the strengths and capacity of existing transport modes. 

We will reduce the operating costs of bus services by better aligning service supply with demand.  

We will ensure that key connections to the most important destinations are retained and update the route network to meet demand in new and growing areas. 

We will actively draw on a wide range of customer insight to design a route network that truly serves residents.

Bus routes included in the review

The planning area covers the following neighborhoods: 

  • Tuomarinkylä
  • Suutarila
  • Suurmetsä
  • Tapaninkylä
  • Malmi
  • Kivikon osa-alue
  • Pukinmäki
  • Pakila
  • Oulunkylä
  • Viikki
  • Vanhakaupunki
  • Toukola
  • Koskela
  • Kumpula
  • Käpylä
  • Pasila
  • Alppiharju
  • Vallila
  • Hermanni
  • Sörnäinen
  • Kallio
  • Kluuvi
  • Kruununhaka 

At least the following current bus routes are included in the plan: 23, 53, 55, 56, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 79(B), 506, 553, 611.

As planning progresses, changes may also be made to other bus routes, and the planned changes may also affect areas outside the planning area.

Schedule

We began planning at the beginning of August 2026 by defining the goals and starting points for the route network plan. We have also reviewed background information about the area and a wide range of existing customer insight. Background data includes population and number of jobs in the area as well as the results of the 2024 Travel Habit Survey. The survey results show where residents currently travel and where they would like to travel by public transport. 

During the remainder of 2026, we will draft the first version of the route network. During the draft phase, we will also engage with residents and gather information to support the development of the draft route network.

Our goal is to complete the route network plan in spring 2027. The changes outlined in the plan are currently expected to be implemented in January 2028.