On March 26th, 2025, the GEMINI Living Lab in Helsinki took a major step forward in community-driven innovation by organizing a Transportation Workshop in Raseborg, Finland. Held at The Torby in the picturesque village of Fiskars, the event was part of the broader GEMINI EU project and co-hosted with the Municipality of Raasepori. The aim? To collaboratively shape the design of a new on-demand bus service pilot launching later this year.
Raseborg, a coastal town in southern Finland with a population of around 28,000, was the perfect setting for this inclusive, forward-looking initiative. Formed in 2009 through the merger of Ekenäs, Karis, and Pojo, the bilingual municipality (where 65.4% speak Swedish and 31.2% speak Finnish) is known for its strong community spirit and openness to sustainable solutions. The town is easily accessible by road, rail, and even by boat—making it a unique case for flexible mobility planning.
The workshop was designed to empower residents to have their say. Through group discussions, mapping exercises, and open dialogue, participants identified key priorities for the future service. Topics ranged from optimal routes and stop locations to service hours and travel time. The group also debated pricing models, preferred payment methods (including apps, cards, and cash), and whether the service should operate with a minimum number of passengers.
In true GEMINI Living Lab fashion, the atmosphere was inclusive and welcoming. While most conversations took place in Finnish, many discussions flowed naturally in Swedish and English, ensuring full participation. Refreshments and a children’s corner helped make the workshop family-friendly, inviting both individuals and households to contribute.
What’s next? The input gathered during the workshop will be carefully analyzed and integrated into the pilot’s final design. The on-demand bus service is set to launch in August 2025. For those who couldn’t attend in person, additional opportunities to participate—such as surveys—are planned in the coming weeks.
The Raseborg workshop is a shining example of how the GEMINI project brings together technology, local knowledge, and collaborative design to create mobility solutions that truly meet the needs of communities. With the support of its residents, Raseborg is now one step closer to realizing a more flexible, inclusive, and sustainable public transport system.