Transport policy

The mission of transport policy is to provide people with opportunities for safe and smooth everyday travel, to maintain the competitiveness of businesses and to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions.

Finland’s location far from the main transport and logistic arteries of central Europe poses major challenges to transport policy. The needs and viewpoints of a range of groups must be taken into account in the development of the transport system. Efficient and smooth public transport services support the attainment of transport policy objectives. The Ministry strives to promote traffic safety and the efficiency of the transport system through a variety of different measures, including intelligent transport services.

The Government Programme underlines the importance of a smoothly-functioning transport system and its development, along with measures to reduce transport-related emissions and promote sustainable development. Transport policy is seen as part of a larger whole comprising businesses, the economy, employment and regional development. With the aim of ensuring long-term development, the Government will prepare a report on transport policy. Measures will be taken to ensure smooth everyday travel by promoting commuter traffic, by improving the operation of public transport and by increasing traffic safety.

Particularly in logistics, shipping and heavy-goods transport, international treaties, conventions and European Union decisions play a significant role. At the meetings of the European Union Transport Council Finland is represented by the Minister of Transport .