YTV – THE HELSINKI METROPOLITAN AREA COUNCIL
THE JOKERI BUS SERVICE CONCEPT
Design: Reijo Markku, Soile Pernu / Design Reform Oy 2004–2006
Jokeri is the first bus line in the Helsinki region for which a distinct visual image was created. The carefully considered overall design is quickly noted and perceived by users.
The concept of the Jokeri (Joker) line connecting the municipalities of the Helsinki region from east to west emerged over ten years ago. The original idea was for tram service. Although this plan was rejected, the overall planning and design of the line employs features of rail traffic, such as frequent and regular arrivals and departures as in the metro, and a distinct uniform visual image.
Launched in August 2006, the Jokeri line runs from Itäkeskus in East Helsinki to Tapiola and Westend in the City of Espoo west of Helsinki, serving up to 20,000 passengers a day. Cognizability, distinctness and ease of use are thus prime considerations. Jokeri is the first bus line for which its own visual operating environment was created down to the smallest details. The concept includes features such as buses and bus stops of an integrated colour scheme in blue, with the same visual image extending to all aspects of the line, information signs, timetables and even the upholstery of the bus seats. The stops and the buses are easy to recognize at a distance and even in the dark.
The quick recognizability of the route, transfer stops and timetables are important for users. The Jokeri route is shown as a line in the manner of a train or metro map, making it easy to read the order of the stops. Real-time displays at the stops and in the buses show the progress of the route with the aid of the satellite-based GPS. Three-dimensional signs at major transfer stops illustrate access via different levels for example across the road or street or over a railway line. All the signs and information material employ the same visual appearance.
The Jokeri line was also required to merge with the existing townscape. The colours, blue and green, refer to the blues and greens of Helsinki and Espoo city buses – or the green fields at Viikki in East Helsinki and techno-blue of the University of Technology at Otaniemi in the west. This public transport system is of major size in Finnish conditions. It was made recognizable and easy to use with the aid of studied design extending to the smallest details.
YTV – The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council
Opastinsilta 6 A, FI-00520 Helsinki
Tel. +358 (0)9 15611
Fax +358 (0)9 156 1369
ytv@ytv.fi
www.ytv.fi
Reijo Markku, Soile Pernu, Juhana Karhu