The City develops Vantaa light trail tram communication based on resident survey results
The City conducted a resident survey on light rail tram-related communication, receiving nearly 400 responses. The results show that residents particularly want more up-to-date, practical information about how construction affects their daily lives locally. Over the summer, the City will test different communication solutions together with residents.
To collect responses to the resident survey, residents were interviewed on the streets of Tikkurila and Hakunila and near shopping centers.
The aim of the survey was to understand residents’ experiences and expectations regarding tram communication in the Tikkurila and Hakunila areas. The communication includes updates and information about the tram and its construction published in the City’s different channels. The survey also gathered views on construction site signage and maps.
Based on the results, the City is developing its tram communication to better reach all residents and respond to different information needs.
The survey reached hundreds of residents
The survey was carried out in spring 2026 in Tikkurila and Hakunila. It was open from 22 April to 13 May 2026 on OsallistuvaVantaa.fi and available in eight commonly spoken local languages.
A total of 391 residents responded. 16 % of the respondents have a mother tongue other than Finnish or Swedish.
In addition to the survey, residents were also engaged through interviews at local events. Thank you to everyone who participated!
The survey received responses from 391 residents across two areas and it was conducted in eight languages. 16 percent of respondents had a native language other than Finnish or Swedish.
Active communication across channels as a key strength
Many respondents say they are looking forward to the light rail, and a majority (62%) say they intend to use it once it is completed.
Nearly half of respondents (45 %) are satisfied with current communication. In particular, the City’s active presence on social media is highlighted as a strength. Respondents also appreciate the light rail newsletter and the availability of information across multiple channels.
Construction impacts daily life – but information does not reach everyone
The results also shows that construction sites significantly affect residents’ daily lives and that information does not reach everyone.
- 80 % report that construction makes daily life and mobility more difficult
- Information is perceived as fragmented and hard to find
- Improvements are needed in signage and maps
- Residents want advance notice of detours and route changes
The Vantaan light rail project is familiar to most respondents (91 %), and many actively seek information. However, more than a quarter (27 %) report difficulties finding information.
The light trail project is familiar to most respondents and they also know how to find information about it. The majority of respondents feel that the light rail construction sites affect their daily lives. Intentions to use the light rail are divided.
We also asked in which language respondents prefer to receive information. Most prefer Finnish (71 %), but nearly a quarter would like communication in English.
The majority of respondents whose native language is neither Finnish nor Swedish prefer light rail -related communication in Finnish, but nearly a quarter would also like communication in English.
More local and up-to-date communication
Responses highlighted several development ideas and needs:
- One clear place to find all information
- More local and up-to-date information
- Development of maps and signage at construction sites
- More information in advance before changes affect daily life
In particular, the need for local information stood out: what is happening in one’s own area and when. Up-to-date information is especially needed about changes to routes.
Map development was the most requested improvement. In addition, respondents want more on-site communication in the city environment, as online channels do not reach everyone.
Solutions will be tested together with residents
The solutions identified from the survey will be tested and developed together with residents during the summer.
The first development priorities are:
- Improving maps at construction sites
- Developing the local web pages that provide up-to-date information about construction in different areas
- Guiding people to find up-to-date information online from construction sites
Progress of the development work will be communicated as the experiments move forward.
