Finland designs a 12-year national transport system plan

It seeks to guarantee accessibility, sustainable modes of mobility and socio-economic efficiency

On Thursday 15 April, the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Finland announced that the country is making history with the creation of its first ever 12-year transport system plan. The National Transport System Plan for 2021-2032 has been approved by the government and has now been submitted to the Parliament.

In a press release on the ministry's website, the Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka explains: “Finland’s first 12-year transport system plan provides long term guidance for road and rail investments, maintenance and the development of all modes of transport. Planning that is proactive for a decade and knowledge-based decision-making will help to achieve more in a more efficient and sustainable manner with the same money.”

What does the National Transport System Plan entail?

The aim of this plan is to help the country create a transport system that guarantees accessibility and caters to the needs of all people and industries. In addition to this, it seeks to provide citizens with sustainable modes of mobility and improve the socio-economic efficiency of the national transport system.

The long-term development plan provides a clear implementation strategy and brings together the measures of the central and local governments. What is more, it has been designed to encompass all transport modes, networks, and services. It is important to note that although the National Transport System Plan outlines what must be done throughout the next 12 years, it will be updated every four years (i.e., every government term).

Taking this further, the Ministry of Transport and Communications explained that more emphasis has been placed on railways as they are in great need of renovation. Another reason for this focus on the rail network is that the ministry would like to make full use of EU funds which have been provided specifically for the development of railways.

As previously mentioned, the government has now submitted the National Transport System Plan to the Parliament. After the Parliament announces its position on the plan, its implementation will begin.