Taking social restructuring into account in transport services

Changes in social structure have an impact on the provision of public transport services.

Firstly, migration to the southern parts of Finland is strong. Secondly, growth in urban areas is fastest on the edges of cities and in the rim municipalities. The regional concentration of Finland’s population creates a solid base of users that need a higher density of public transport services.

Fast, punctual and frequent public transport between regional centres can form a competitive alternative to the private car.

Rail’s share of all travel in Finland is some 5%. Private cars account for over 80% of all travel, although growth in travel by private car has been slower than growth in rail travel in recent years. Air travel and bus services have also declined in popularity.