Children’s Independent Travel and Public Transport Use – Experimental Initiative

The Pilot Project on Children’s Independent Mobility and Use of Public Transport, commissioned by HSL, aimed to strengthen the ability of 10–13-year-old children to use public transport independently and safely. MDI was responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the pilot in close collaboration with HSL. The project was proceeded in four phases: project initiation and coordination, initial mapping, pilot implementation, and the development of a school visit concept.

During the initial phase, MDI conducted four school visits in Vantaa and Espoo as well as a parent survey to gather insights into how children and their guardians perceive public transport and mobility. These insights were informed the design of a month-long school-based pilot, during which children were encouraged and supported to practice using public transport independently. The impact of the pilot was evaluated through follow-up school visits focusing on children’s experiences, confidence, and learning.

The project was culminated in the creation of a visually engaging and pedagogically grounded school visit concept that can be scaled and applied across other schools, both within and beyond the HSL region. Throughout all stages, the project emphasised child-centered design, age-appropriate engagement, and participatory methods.