The cities of Imatra and Lappeenranta are planning to establish a unified public transport area

Efforts are being made to clarify the public transport arrangements of Imatra and Lappeenranta to be more user-friendly.

Currently, public transport in the Imatra─Lappenranta region is organized by three competent authorities: the cities of Lappeenranta and Imatra and the Southeast Finland ELY Center. ELY-keskus procures transport between cities.

 In the future, it is intended that by combining the areas of jurisdiction of Lappeenranta and Imatra, one regional authority would be formed, which would be responsible for organizing public transport in the area of ​​these two municipalities and for traffic between cities.

─ The public transport connection between Lappeenranta and Imatra is provincially important. It has been identified in South Karelia's transport strategy 2020. Traffic outside these two cities, to other municipalities, would continue to be organized by the ELY center, Imatra's city engineer Päivi Ala-Vannesluoma says.

It would make traveling easier

In the future, unified ticket, payment and information systems throughout the region would enable passengers to have a clear selection of tickets and information through a single source.

─ From the perspective of passengers, harmonization of ticket systems and communication would make it easier to understand and use the public transport service, city engineer Olli Hirvonen Lappeenranta states.

A unified system enables simpler management, more reliable travel and monitoring of box office receipts. In addition, it would simplify procurement, scheduling and marketing.

More flexible commuting

A unified public transport system also has an impact on the region's business life and tourism, as it improves labor availability.

The working area will expand, or at least the daily movement to work in the entire area will be smoother than before.

The accessibility of LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University from Imatra can also be improved when all traffic is the responsibility of one authority.

Decisions on continuation in June

The cities will make decisions on starting further negotiations in June.

The goal of the negotiations is a cooperation agreement to establish a regional competent authority and a cost-sharing model for the costs arising from the organization of traffic.

The establishment of a regional public transport authority also requires a change in the law.

The decision will be made after contract negotiations separately during this year.

For more information:

Imatra city engineer Päivi Ala-Vannesluoma, tel. 020 617 4418 paivi. lower rim creaseimatra.fi (paivi[dot]ala-vannesluoma[at]imatra[dot]fi)

Lappeenranta city engineer Olli Hirvonen. tel. 040 6701566, was. a monsterlappeenranta.fi (olli[dot]hirvonen[at]lappeenranta[dot]fi)