Stops and cars on the future light rail operating under route number 15 will offer real-time travel information for both reading and listening. Announcements will be displayed not only on the cars but also at the stops.
You can identify a stop on the new light rail service operating under route number 15 from a distance by the information post on the stop’s platform, which has a large screen attached. You can see when the next tram will arrive at the stop. If there are enough trolleys in service, the line will run at a maximum frequency of every six minutes.
“As with our other transport, the information display will provide real-time traffic information, meaning that the arrival time will be updated, for example, if the tram is late,” Saana Lehtinen, information planner at HSL, said in a statement. “We also use the display to inform you about traffic changes, for example, upcoming timetable changes or possible disruptions.”
The busiest stops have been taken into account by placing larger displays at them. Such particularly busy stops include Itäkeskus, Viikki, Oulunkylä, Maunula, Hämeenlinnanväylä, Huopalahti, Leppävaara, Aalto University and Otaniemi, which are important transfer points for other public transport.
“We have also taken into account the needs of special groups when designing the stop info,” Lehtinen said. “At all stops there will be a button that, when pressed, will tell you out loud when the next train is coming to the stop. The button will help visually impaired people in particular.”
If there is a traffic incident, there is no need to press the button, the display will speak on its own time.
The fast train stops at all stops
Although the tram is a new mode of transport, the passenger information on the trams is largely similar to that on other public transport vehicles. Passengers are guided by displays like those on trams in the city center. The next stop is indicated by an announcement in addition to the display.
Above the doors of the trolley bus, you will find a route map, which is largely modeled on the metro map.
But how do passengers interact with the tram? Do you have to wave your hand at a stop for an oncoming trolley bus?
According to Lehtinen, there’s no need to lift even a finger “as the express stops at all stops.” “You can get on board with a valid ticket at all doors. You can also find an HSL card reader at all doors, although it is best to buy a ticket in advance, for example with the HSL app.”
When a passenger wants to get off, there is no need to press the stop button. “However, if you are moving slowly, you should press either the grey button on the support bar or the blue button on the door, as this will keep the doors open longer than usual,” Lehtinen advised.
HSL is still preparing for passenger services on the express line to start this autumn. The service will start next year at the latest. HSL aims to decide on the start date in September.
