As part of the GEMINI project, the Helsinki Mobility Living Lab (MLL) is pioneering solutions to improve connectivity between peri-urban areas and the city center, offering a blueprint for sustainable, efficient, and accessible transport.
Addressing the Mobility Gap
Helsinki’s metropolitan region faces significant mobility challenges, particularly in peri-urban municipalities such as Karkkila and Raasepori. Located 70 km and 90 km from Helsinki, respectively, these areas experience limited public transport options, making car dependency a necessity for many commuters. While Raasepori benefits from rail connectivity, Karkkila relies solely on intercity buses, exacerbating last-mile transportation issues upon arrival in Helsinki. The MLL aims to bridge this gap, reducing private car reliance and enhancing the sustainability of the region’s mobility ecosystem.
Objectives of the Helsinki MLL
The Helsinki MLL operates with a clear set of environmental, social, and economic objectives:
Environmental Goals:
- Increase the use of public transport (PT) and shared mobility solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Minimize urban congestion by encouraging a modal shift away from private vehicles.
Social Goals:
- Enhance the accessibility and convenience of public transport for peri-urban commuters.
- Address last-mile mobility issues through innovative transport solutions.
Economic Goals:
- Reduce travel time by integrating PT with New Mobility Services (NMS), such as car-sharing and micro-mobility options.
- Lower commuting costs for residents while improving transport efficiency.
Engaging Local Communities and Key Stakeholders
The success of the Helsinki MLL depends on strong collaboration with local authorities, residents, and mobility experts. Community engagement initiatives include workshops, surveys, and digital outreach campaigns, ensuring that solutions are designed to meet the actual needs of users. Key project partners include:
- Forum Virium Helsinki and Metropolia UAS, overseeing research and implementation.
- The municipalities of Karkkila and Raasepori, working on local transport improvements.
- HSL (Helsinki Region Transport Authority), facilitating integration with the existing PT network.
Impact Evaluation and Data-Driven Approach
A robust evaluation framework underpins the Helsinki MLL, measuring the impact of mobility interventions through key indicators such as:
- Travel behavior shifts from private cars to shared and public transport.
- Reduction in traffic congestion and environmental impact.
- User satisfaction and adoption rates of new mobility services.
Data collection methods include pre- and post-implementation surveys, real-time traffic monitoring, and advanced mobility analytics. Insights from this evaluation will guide future mobility policies and investments in the Helsinki metropolitan region.
Expected Results and Next Steps
As the project progresses, the Helsinki MLL is set to:
- Identify a dedicated mobility operator to implement new services.
- Expand engagement with local communities to refine service offerings.
- Pilot innovative transport solutions, addressing last-mile connectivity challenges.
By leveraging insights from other GEMINI MLLs, Helsinki can optimize its approach, ensuring scalable and replicable mobility solutions.
A Model for Future Urban Mobility
The Helsinki MLL embodies GEMINI’s mission to drive sustainable mobility through innovation and collaboration. By addressing peri-urban mobility challenges, the project not only benefits local residents but also serves as a model for other European cities facing similar issues. As the initiative advances, its findings will contribute to shaping the future of urban transportation, making cities more livable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly.
FIGURE 1: Helsinki city, Helsinki Metropolitan Area (HMA) and Greater Helsinki Region. (Source: https://welcome.hel.fi/welcome-to-helsinki-living-in-helsinki/about-the-city-of-helsinki/)
FIGURE 3: The Helsinki MLL test area the two municipalities Karkkila and Raasepori and the number and percentage of residents working in Helsinki.