New guidance method pilot begins for light rail crossing points at Sello
The City of Espoo and Ramboll Finland Oy are launching a trial pilot on new types of guidance methods at the light rail crossings at Sello shopping centre. The pilot will take place at the light-controlled pedestrian crossing at Leppävaaranaukio and at the light rail stop at Sello. The pilot will also monitor the pedestrian of the area.
At the light-controlled pedestrian crossing in Leppävaaranaukio, Okeenea audio guides and reflective road-surface lights of the brand La Semaforica are being installed to assist pedestrians. The pedestrian crossing at the light rail stop will be equipped with an audio guide that warns users of an approaching northbound tram. A similar system is not technically feasible for the southbound tram, as it starts from the stop. However, a departing tram always poses a lower risk to passengers since the driver can better observe the traffic situation at the crossing.
The pilot starts in July and continues until the end of 2025. The pilot aims to find out if a new type of audio guide makes it easier and safer for people with reduced mobility and functional disability to move in the area. Voiced audio guides will be constantly active in the early stage of the pilot, but will later work with the MyMoveO mobile app.
The guidance method pilot is also the subject of a student thesis that documents the progress and results of the trial. We hope that the pilot produces valuable information for improving traffic safety and accessibility.
Give feedback on the pilot here(external link, opens in a new window) (survey in Finnish only).