koululiikenteessä

School traffic (Finnish: koululiikenne) refers to the planning, organization and operation of vehicles that transport students to and from educational institutions. The concept encompasses school buses, municipal minibus services, school taxis and privately run shuttle services, with the primary aim of providing safe, reliable and efficient transportation for pupils while reducing congestion in residential neighbourhoods and promoting environmental sustainability.

In Finland, school traffic is regulated by the Act on Municipal Education and Duty of Care and by traffic safety legislation. Municipal authorities appoint carriers that meet strict safety standards, undergo regular inspections and employ licensed drivers trained in child safety. The Finnish Transport Safety Agency sets requirements for vehicle type, seat belt use and driver qualifications. The Ministry of Education publishes guidelines on route planning, timetable coordination with school schedules and risk assessment of traffic conditions.

Key features include dedicated stop points, clear signage and the use of low‑emission buses. Parents are often notified of changes through electronic portals. Data from the 2019 national transport survey show that school traffic accounts for 12 % of traffic volume in urban areas and reduces private car use by approximately 25 %. Environmental benefits are notable; replacing 1 200 private trips with school bus routes can cut CO2 emissions by 4.8 metric tons per year.

School traffic also serves social functions. By ensuring consistent access to education for children in rural or underserved areas, it supports equity in learning opportunities. In many European countries, similar models exist under the umbrella of “School bus programmes,” though local regulations differ. Continuous investment in vehicle technology, driver training and infrastructure remains essential to maintaining safety and meeting growing demands.