The SOLMU project develops mobility services in cooperation with businesses, focusing on mobility hubs and launching an ecosystem for regional transport service development.
The project focuses on the business development of mobility services, particularly those at mobility hubs and their commercial offerings. It also aims to create a regional ecosystem for transport service development. The project seeks to enhance the appeal and functionality of mobility services like public transport and travel chains, while promoting equal access to mobility.
Goals
- Enhance the product and service development of SME actors in the target group, particularly towards gaining competitiveness in foreign markets.
- Create a regional smart transport operator ecosystem.
- Boost the operations of SMEs in the target group, particularly in international networking and collaboration, commercial and RDI cooperation, the development of accessible solutions, and data-driven decision-making.
The project engages 50 mobility service companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area to co-develop new products and services. The goal is to generate 15-20 new product and service innovations and implement 8-12 mobility services.
Indirect benefits include increased attractiveness, functionality, and accessibility of mobility services, public transport, and travel chains. This will reduce private car usage, leading to lower traffic emissions, congestion, and safety risks.
Duration, partners and funding
- Duration: 1.10.2024 – 30.9.2026
- Project Partners: City of Helsinki (Business Helsinki), City of Espoo, Forum Virium Helsinki
- Funding: European Union and Uusimaa Regional Council (ERDF). The total project budget is €854,133, of which Forum Virium Helsinki’s share is €252,987.
Forum Virium Helsinki’s role
Forum Virium acts as a co-implementer of the project, contributing its expertise in long-term RDI and pilot initiatives within the City of Helsinki. Forum Virium is specifically responsible for conducting services at selected hubs and managing communication efforts.
Forum Virium has strong experience in RDI project communication and facilitating cooperation between the city, residents, and businesses. This enables smoother cooperation between different groups and the development of new solutions.
Benefits for Helsinki
Through testing and cooperation, Helsinki can better meet the needs of residents and businesses and improve service levels at mobility hubs. The project will strengthen Helsinki’s vitality and competitiveness through new business opportunities and a more efficient transport system. International cooperation and networking will bring visibility and recognition to Helsinki as an innovative city.
Sustainability
The project supports the development and testing of new mobility services, improving the ease and attractiveness of mobility for residents, promoting sustainable modes of transport, and reducing private car usage.
Improving service offerings is widely seen as one of the most significant ways to make public transport and travel chains more attractive, promote equal access to mobility, and reduce mobility poverty. Mobility poverty refers to the lack of suitable mobility solutions for everyone.