Helsinki region intelligent traffic services

By monitoring and publicly sharing real-time traffic information, the Helsinki Region Intelligent Traffic Services project sought to improve the flow of people through the Helsinki Region. Information such as traffic disturbances, roadworks and parking was available on public display screens and on mobile phones.

The Helsinki Region Intelligent Traffic Services project collected real-time traffic information in an effort to make it easier to move around the Helsinki metropolitan area. The services conveyed traffic information to motorists, public transport passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. The information was shown on public display screens and sent to mobile phones.

The display screens still provide traffic information to thousands of Helsinki residents every day. The screens are available in selected pharmacies and medical clinics within the Uusimaa region and different shops and educational institutions in the Arabianranta area. They display real-time traffic disturbances characterised by symbols on a city map. The most recent traffic disturbances and roadworks are also shown in text form.  

Car park information in the mobile service

Although eventually terminated, the mobile service provided users with up- to-date traffic information, real-time weather information and a weather forecast. The information was displayed on the mobile phone screen both in text and as icons on a city map. The service also showed the locations of car parks and taxi stands. The service provided telephone numbers for all taxi stands allowing the user to call a particular stand automatically. In addition, it showed a constantly updated traffic camera feed from ten different locations and transmitted separate information on disturbances in public transport.     

The Helsinki Region Intelligent Traffic Services project began in February 2006 and ended at the end of October 2007. Forum Virium Helsinki was responsible forcoordinating the project while Destia and Logica handled the implementation of the services. The work was commissioned by the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Road Administration, the Finnish Rail Administration and the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV).  

Further information
Development Director Pekka Koponen, 
Tel. +358 40  5017114, 
pekka.koponen(at)forumvirium.fi