Minister Harakka: National Transport System Plan will contribute to the development of entire Finland

Preparations for Finland's first 12-year national transport system plan are currently underway. It aims to add a longer-term perspective to the development of the Finnish transport system.

The transport system consists of all modes of transport, passenger and goods transport and related services, transport networks and operations supporting them, such as communications links and information. The national transport system plan deals with all of these as a whole. In addition to directing state funding, the measures include legislation and policies on the development of operations. The plan will guide the state's development of the Finnish transport system.

The current draft plan has been published in the Gateway to Information on Government Projects and will be discussed at a stakeholder event organised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on 16 September. Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka gave the opening speech at the event.

"It is my hope that over the next few weeks we will get a comprehensive idea of how citizens, businesses and regions in different parts of Finland view the plan," said Minister Timo Harakka.

"To me, it is important that the transport system continues to safeguard socially and ecologically sustainable and regionally balanced development. A forward-looking transport system plan will ensure that our country is an entity enabling the distribution of wellbeing both regionally and socially," he added.

In his speech, the Minister pointed out that the preparation of the national transport system plan is taking place in exceptional circumstances.

"I also consider it important that the national transport system plan responds to the challenges of maintaining the competitiveness of our industries and the transition to sustainable transport. We also need to ensure a good and seamless everyday life for our citizens, as that has changed radically for many in recent times - at least temporarily," said Minister Harakka.

The national transport system plan will be prepared at parliamentary level and in close interaction with stakeholders.

"I would like to thank the parliamentary steering group for its guidance and contribution so far. I very much hope and believe that our cooperation will continue to be equally successful from now on," Minister Harakka said.

Stakeholder event online on 16 September at 10.00-15.00

The webcast of the stakeholder event is available online on 16 September at 10.00-15.00 at: https://lvm.videosync.fi/16092020-sidosryhmatilaisuus

Join the discussion on Facebook on 17 September

The discussion on the transport system plan will continue on the Ministry's Facebook account on Thursday 17 September at 9.00-10.00. Questions, which can be sent in advance, will be answered by experts from the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

On Twitter, the discussion related to the national transport system plan can be found under the hashtag #liikenne12.

Material available in the Gateway to Information on Government Projects

All material related to the project and the programme of the stakeholder event are available in the Gateway to Information on Government Projects https://valtioneuvosto.fi/hanke?tunnus=LVM018:00/2019

What are the next steps?

The preparation of the national transport system plan will continue during the autumn. Feedback received on the current version of the plan will be taken into account in further preparation.

The draft plan will be circulated for comments in early 2021.

The first national transport system plan is scheduled to be completed in spring 2021. It is subject to the approval by the Government.

Inquiries:

Matti Sadeniemi, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 40 586 7234

Hanna Perälä, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 50 305 0037

Kaisa Kuukasjärvi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 50 414 0330