Lahti has installed a shared departure display next to the main entrance of Trio for the new downtown bus stops, as arrangements for its bus stop pilot near completion. The city reports that the first weeks of the pilot, which began on 10 August, have gone smoothly, with no significant congestion or feedback from users.
What has been installed
The display shows passengers which buses are departing soon, along with their departure times and departure stops. A map next to the display helps passengers find the correct stop. The new pilot stops on Vesijärvenkatu have also been equipped with stop-specific schedule displays. Real-time stop displays will be available at all stops on Kauppatori and Trio, except the stop on Aleksanterinkatu between Vesijärvenkatu and Lanunaukio.
How the pilot is performing
According to the city, bus service has been running well and timetable adherence has been at a good level. No significant congestion has been observed on Vesijärvenkatu. The city continues to monitor the effectiveness of the bicycle ban at the Vesijärvenkatu bus stops. Markings have been clarified and made more visible, including through street art.
Summer construction sites in the city centre did not slow down foot traffic, according to the pedestrian counter on Aleksanterinkatu:
| Period | People walking or cycling |
|---|---|
| 1 May–15 August 2026 | 1.13 million |
| Same period in 2025 | 1.08 million |
The construction site at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Vesijärvenkatu is not related to the pilot; it is a separate electrical grid project by Lahti Energia. Finishing touches on the paving are still under way but do not affect pedestrian traffic.
Why the city is doing it
The goal of the downtown bus stop pilot and of the public transit quality corridors implemented this summer is to streamline public transit, increase its appeal and achieve cost savings. Earlier this year, the city announced that Aleksanterinkatu would close to motor traffic on 3 June, with buses moving to Hämeenkatu. It also announced that public transport zones would be removed and pricing renewed on 1 June 2026.