The Lappeenranta region in southeastern Finland introduces the Waltti mobile app for public transport starting December 2. This free application allows passengers to purchase and use public transport tickets directly on their smartphones. The app features QR-code mobile tickets that users show to card readers or drivers.
Passengers can buy single tickets, day passes, and season tickets through Waltti mobile. All purchases activate immediately upon payment. The app's ticket products operate independently from the existing Jouko travel card system.
Waltti mobile also provides real-time route planning services. The app locates travelers' positions and displays nearest stops and routes instantly. This integration marks a significant improvement for the region's digital transit infrastructure.
The launch includes a special promotion campaign. From December 14 through January 6, single tickets purchased through Waltti mobile cost half price. This timing coincides with Jouko's name day on December 14 and continues through Epiphany.
Lappeenranta's public transport already operates the Jouko app for static timetables, route maps, and real-time bus locations. However, mobile ticket purchases previously required third-party applications like PayIQ, Matkahuolto, and Onnibussi. These alternative purchasing options remain available alongside the new Waltti mobile app.
Planning engineer Marko Iljinen from Lappeenranta regional transport confirmed both applications will operate simultaneously for now. He stated the Waltti mobile app combines route guidance, schedules, and ticket sales in one platform.
General travel terms see updates starting December 2. The revisions incorporate Waltti mobile's specific conditions and clarify passenger responsibilities, data retention policies, and emergency procedures. Minor technical adjustments also take effect.
Travel zone modifications accompany the app launch. The Ylämaa C zone disappears from backend systems on December 2. Imatra's local transport zone becomes zone C, while Ylämaa moves under zone B. Existing ticket products remain valid despite these zone changes, requiring no action from passengers. Updated zone maps will appear on city websites, the Waltti web store, and Jouko route planner.
Finland's public transport digitalization continues advancing with this regional implementation. The Waltti system already operates in several Finnish cities, creating potential for future nationwide integration. For international residents and visitors, this development simplifies navigating Finnish public transport while potentially setting standards for other Nordic regions considering similar digital transitions.
The half-price campaign provides strong incentive for adoption during the busy holiday season. Such promotional strategies have proven effective in other Finnish cities transitioning to digital ticketing systems. The parallel operation of both apps demonstrates thoughtful transition planning, avoiding service disruption while familiarizing users with the new platform.