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Helsinki-Tallinn Transport and Planning Scenarios (H-TTransPlan)
The H-TTransPlan project studies development needs of the Helsinki-Tallinn region in the viewpoint of logistics and regional planning. It aims at creating alternative transport strategies for the planning authorities in the region. The project provides data and analysis for regional and local planners, through joint work and co-learning in transport and urban planning for the Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region by linking academic research with public and private actors on both sides of the Gulf of Finland.
There is a wide unanimity, that closer cooperation is mutually beneficial and needed between the Helsinki and Tallinn regions. In actual spatial planning the cooperation has not became concrete, despite of the fact, that improvements are needed in transport connections. The connections are generally considered good, but do not serve the needs of commuters and business travellers efficiently throughout the year. There have been speculations on a tunnel and other visions to develop the connections. These visions have not based on hard data and analyses, that are needed
for decision-making. Also there is not a joint agreement of the transport developments across the Gulf. City planners should have a clear and coordinated strategy on future Helsinki-Tallinn transport system, including how the fast railway connection Rail Baltica can be linked to the system.
The content of the project
The project will discuss the improvement needs of the Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region transport network in the viewpoint of business and officials planning the municipal services. It includes a mobility study to have correct information of mobility of people and goods in the region.
Project will create 2-3 development scenarios, territorial impact assessment of regional transport system and related urban development opportunities. Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) will provide a scoping of policy aims and objectives, analysis of likely scenarios, additional assessments of the mobility scenarios and identify strategy options of territorial policy.
The research will provide data for the planners to reduce further speculations on Helsinki-Tallinn transport connections and to have a clear and coordinated strategy on future Helsinki-Tallinn transport system, including risks and growth potential related to transport system. The project will create alternative transport strategies for the planning authorities and a visionary document elaborated as a 'tool kit' with strategic projects for the development of Helsinki-Tallinn twin city region.
The project will also provide concrete analysis and solutions on how to connect modes of transport in both cities. The project is linked to Rail Baltica (RB) feasibility study, which provides its results as input for H-TTransPlan project. Models are used for the wider region (Southern Finland and all Estonia) for the road, rail and ferry networks.
Expected results
- contribute to increased awareness of potential problems and growth potential related to transport system
- result in joint policy advice and coordination of spatial planning measures related to future Helsinki-Tallinn transport system
- support regional planning in the Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region by developing long term scenarios together with local and national level officials, politicians on regional and municipal level, research institutions, universities and business communities
- provide concrete analysis and solutions on how to connect modes of transport in both cities, as a key problem in Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region transport system
- define which is the best transport system in the Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region supporting regional balanced development and competitiveness
- develop a road map for the planning authorities, facilitating co-evolution of planning and policy
processes leading to an agreement on 3-5 strategic projects to be implemented in Helsinki-Tallinn twin-city region after the project
- develop a common knowledge platform (interactive web environment) on transport solutions which will be used in regional planning and education after the project.
Project partners are cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, regional authorities and universities in Estonia and in Finland. The lead partner is NPS Helsinki-Tallinn Euregio. The project is carried out during the time period from January 2011 to December 2012. H-TTransPlan is an ERDF-project. It is funded by Southern Finland-Estonia sub-programme of INTERREG IV A 2007-2013 programme.
Additional information
Research expert Pekka Sundberg,tel. +358 40 351 0507,pekka.sundberg[at]utu.fi
Professor Ulla Tapaninen, tel. +358 50 525 8131, ulla.tapaninen[at]utu.fi
Research expert Antti Posti, tel. +358 40 485 5686, antti.posti[at]utu.fi
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