Traffic Lab opens: new transport services to be expected for autumn

Traffic Lab, a trial of electronic transport services co-ordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, has been opened for companies. The Finnish Transport Agency and the Finnish Transport Safety Agency are preparing to buy traffic information services from companies for about a million euros each during 2014 -2015. Companies collect data through intelligent transport services offered to motorists. Data collection for the Finnish Transport Agency and the Finnish Transport Safety Agency is based on the approval of the service users.

Traffic Lab is a trial of intelligent transport services that make is easier to travel and make intelligent choices in traffic. These kinds of services could include, for example, traffic information, driver's log or information on public transportation services. Other possible services to be offered include remote diagnostics and remote maintenance services for cars.

The aim of the project is to promote a market for intelligent transport services in co-operation between authorities, companies and research facilities. The companies participating in the project are expected to launch their first services during early autumn. The Traffic Lab project lasts until the end of 2015.

Authorities will sign contracts with all companies or other actors that can produce traffic information services required by the authorities. Partners can be Finnish or foreign individual companies or groups of companies. Authorities have defined a certain requirement, service and pricing level for the acquisitions. All acquisitions are carried out as direct acquisitions.

Collected data are used in the planning, auditing and research of new transport services. The authorities will accept only information for which the service provider has received collection and delivery approval from the service user.

The Government Programme highlights the importance of intelligent transport. The Programme outlines that the Government will promote new intelligent transport services, financial steering, and innovations on the basis of Finland's Strategy for Intelligent Transport. The goal is that the Finnish transport system will be one of the most advanced in the world, that transport policy will address the mobility problems instead of just building infrastructure and that traffic will flow more easily and will be more environmentally friendly and safe. In addition, travellers will be provided with information on traffic conditions in real-time, the infrastructure will be used more efficiently, efficient logistics will improve competitiveness and Finland will be a major player in the global markets for intelligent transport.

Further information

Mr Seppo Öörni, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 40 577 1179
Mr Risto Murto, Senior Adviser, Director of Unit, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 40 505 3320
Mr Juha Kenraali, Head of Department, Finnish Transport Safety Agency, tel. +358 9 029 5347 162
Mr Juuso Kummala, Head of Unit, Finnish Transport Agency, tel. +358 29 534 3548