Part 1: Private Motoring
Commuting in Finland, much like in any modern society, poses its own set of challenges and opportunities. As private motoring has always been prevalent due to long distances between daily point A and B, the need for innovative solutions to address challenges such as the scarcity of electric car recharge points, outdated infrastructure, and traffic congestion due to human error becomes ever more pressing.
As we take look into the realm of personal vehicle ownership in the 2020s, it's crucial to anticipate and tackle emerging pain points to ensure a smooth and sustainable commuting experience.
Let's examine some of the current and upcoming challenges and explore potential solutions to mitigate them.
Challenge: Scarcity of Electric Car Recharge Points
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the demand for Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric Cars following efforts by the European Union to cut CO2 emissions from cars and vans to zero by 2035. However, while this legislation proposal has spurred the adoption of cleaner vehicles, it has also left the responsibility of developing recharging infrastructure primarily to individual EU countries, at least for the time being.
One of the most significant challenges facing commuters in Finland is the scarcity of electric car recharge points. As the nation strives towards a greener future, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has surged. However, the infrastructure to support this shift has not yet kept pace.
Solution: If the Car Won’t Go to the Charger, Could the Charger Go to the Car?
To address this challenge, innovative solutions such as mobile power banks and mobile charging services are being explored.
By providing on-the-go charging options, these solutions not only alleviate the scarcity of recharge points but also stimulate demand for electric vehicles. Additionally, initiatives like collaborative efforts between governments and private sectors to expand the charging network can significantly enhance accessibility for EV owners. Moreover, investing in fast-charging infrastructure along major highways and in urban centers can further facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles, making them a more convenient and viable option for commuters.
By implementing these solutions, Finland can not only overcome the challenges associated with electric vehicle infrastructure but also accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Challenge: Increased Amount of Cars in Cities and Outdated Infrastructure
In urban centers like Helsinki, the growth of private car ownership has outpaced the development of infrastructure. This mismatch has led to congestion and parking problems, disrupting the flow of daily life.
Solution: Automation to the Rescue
One potential solution lies in the implementation of shared car services. Imagine a system where a car can be summoned 24/7 on demand, reducing the need for individual vehicle ownership.
At the moment shared car services and affordable short term rental solutions do exist. However, as one moves farther away from densely populated areas, the feasibility of such services diminishes.
For now, fully autonomous shared vehicles represent a potential solution for addressing this challenge. In this context, we need to emphasize the importance of what ”on demand” means to people. Demand will remain low, if nonexistent, if supply takes more than a reasonable amount of time to arrive.
Challenge: Traffic Congestion Due to Human Error
Another pressing issue plaguing Finland's commuting landscape is traffic congestion, often exacerbated by human error and lack of real time information.
Solution: To Reroute or Not to Reroute? That Is the Question
To combat the previously mentioned issues, smart communication between vehicles is a crucial next step.
By constantly monitoring traffic and providing route suggestions based on real-time data, drivers can navigate more efficiently, reducing congestion and travel time. While there are already traffic applications that communicate with each other, the effectiveness of such systems relies on gathering data from a large pool of vehicles.
Altough smartphones are a functional solution to replicate navigational systems with third-party applications, they tend to cause driver distraction. Instead of users placing the screen wherever it happens to fit, a well thought and integrated navigation assistant embedded in the interior is how we can elevate the user experience of commuting by car and still have necessary concentration at all times.
Part 2: Public Transportation
Public transportation in Finland faces challenges stemming from the country's unique geographical and demographic characteristics. Factors such as long distances, sparse population density, and difficulty in planning optimal bus routes hinder the efficiency and accessibility of public transit services across the nation.
Challenge: Demand vs Supply
One of the primary challenges with public transportation in Finland is the need for demand to precede supply. The vast distances and complex geography make it challenging to provide efficient and cost-effective transit services, particularly in rural areas where demand may be low.
Solution: Communication, Communication
To address this challenge, innovative approaches to public transit could be expanded. One concept involves combining the best aspects of both buses and taxis, utilizing a mobile application to match passengers traveling in the same direction.
This model allows for more flexible and efficient transportation, adapting to real-time demand and improving accessibility, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
Challenge: Public Transportation Flexibility
While public transportation in cities like Helsinki Metropolitan Area and Tampere has seen improvements over the years, there is still room for enhancement in providing commuters with greater flexibility to combine various modes of transportation effectively.
Solution: Would They if They Could?
One potential solution lies in reimagining the role of public transit beyond just passenger transportation. While public transit is not intended to function as a cargo delivery service, there is an opportunity to accommodate passengers' needs for transporting personal belongings, such as bicycles or scooters, more effectively. Future considerations in designing buses could include provisions for carrying larger items or creating designated areas for passengers traveling with bicycles. Additionally, introducing interior designs specifically tailored for cyclists, with easy access points and dedicated spaces for bikes onboard, could encourage more individuals to integrate cycling with other modes of transportation seamlessly.
Addressing the challenges of public transportation in Finland requires innovative solutions that not only improve service offerings but also address user preferences and behaviors. Would commuters choose more carbon neutral options if they were readily available and even slightly more convenient?
By embracing new technologies, expanding shared-ride services, and rethinking the design of transit infrastructure, Finland can create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transportation system for all its citizens.
Part 3: Logistics and Service Coverage
Once again we face the challenge, where demand is insufficient to provide feasible circumstances for services to thrive. This is where the automated delivery comes into consideration.
Challenge: Comprehensive Service Coverage Nationwide
Ensuring comprehensive service coverage across the country remains a challenge, particularly in sparsely populated areas. Traditional logistics models struggle to efficiently serve remote regions, resulting in limited access to essential services for residents.
Solution: Make It Bigger and Faster
Innovative approaches to logistics, such as the use of robots and drones, offer promising solutions to enhance service accessibility. For example, trials of food robots at Alepa stores in Finland and drone delivery services by Amazon in USA demonstrate the potential for automation to improve last-mile delivery efficiency.
Another compelling solution is the implementation of a pneumatic tube system, similar to those used in pharmacies, for small-item transport. This system operates 24/7 and can be deployed with dense distribution points, providing convenient access to delivery services for residents.
While implementing such a system on a larger scale presents logistical and cost challenges, advancements in construction technologies, such as excavation robots, make it increasingly feasible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Finland's commuting landscape presents unique challenges, embracing new technologies and innovative solutions offers promising avenues for improvement. However, financial constraints and bureaucratic inertia may pose obstacles to significant changes. Nevertheless, with the courage to explore new concepts and the determination to overcome financial barriers, Finland can pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
