Data will make future traffic systems more efficient – sector creates fair rules to support service development

Traffic operators will adopt an open, jointly developed rulebook aimed at accelerating service development in the sector by using data for both freight and passenger transport.

Without data, efficient traffic chains will not be feasible. Building the traffic system of the future can be smoother and transport systems more interoperable if data sharing is facilitated by common rules rather than having to be agreed bilaterally. The new rulebook is based on Sitra’s Rulebook for a Fair Data Economy.

The rulebook provides the traffic sector with a contractual framework for data sharing that facilitates trust-building. It will enable organisations and individuals to better maintain control over the data they share and decide independently on access rights.

In the traffic system, large amounts of data are generated by infrastructure, vehicles, service providers and users. By lowering the threshold for sharing data and in a compatible format, the new rulebook will, for example, make it possible to increase the autonomy of vehicles and develop travel chain solutions purchased via a single application. In logistics, real-time, high-quality data can be integrated into transport operators’ own systems.

Comprehensive, up-to-date road data can support the precision planning of traffic operations.

Increasing the efficiency of travel and transport chains will benefit companies and people through cost savings and will reduce emissions.

“In a time of major transformation, there is a need for new solutions to enable the traffic sector to continue to offer competitive services in goods and passenger traffic chains, and to fully support Finland’s competitiveness,” says Pertti Korhonen, CEO of Fintraffic.

Launched in January 2021, the transport data ecosystem has 140 participating organisations. The work is being co-ordinated by Fintraffic.

The rulebook is a collaborative effort by the traffic sector, and it will be implemented by those involved in the traffic data ecosystem. The founding members of the open ecosystem are Finnair, Fintraffic, HSL, ITS Finland Ry, LMJ, MaaS Global, Matkahuolto, Metsäteho, Valopilkku Taksi, VR, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and FLD Osuuskunta.

Sitra developed a fair data economy model in its IHAN project in 2018–2021. The project laid the foundations for a fair data economy where successful digital services are based on trust and create value for all. The Rulebook for a Fair Data Economy is a key business tool produced by the project. The project has now ended, but the work continues as one of Sitra’s strategic priorities. Sitra is continuing to develop a rulebook suitable for all sectors.

More information on the traffic data ecosystem rulebook is available on the Fintraffic website.