Suomen linja-autoliikenteen historia tutkimuskohteena

This publication deals both with the sources and the method of the research into the history of motor-coach traffic in Finland. It belongs as a supplement to the work Matti Viitaniemi-Aarne Mäkelä, Suomen linja-autoliikenteen historia. Jyväskylä 1978, and it has a summary at the end, based on the abovementioned historical work. The historical point of view is mainly emphasized in the section dealing with the time before 1949 and with the long-distance transport in the countryside (the minimum length of routes being 30 kilometers). Concerning the method, the most problematic period is the time before the Winter War (1939), since the sources available are incomplete. This publication presents isochronic description as a new method, and it has been used to illustrate the development of motor-coach traffic. Motor-coach transport in Finland began as early as 1905. The transport which continued for a long time did not begin, however, until in the 1920's. After the hard times during the war the level of 1939 was not reached until in 1949. Besides the normal routes, an express-coach network was founded, and the organisation of coach stations (Matkahuolto OY) extended more and more all over the country. Finland became one of the leading countries in the world as regards motor-coach transport. The rise and the growth of motor-coach traffic was based on many factors, such as technical development and the great need for transport. As the network of railways was sparse but the network of roads rather dense coach transport, being willing to serve, soon became very popular, especially in the countryside. The key factors in favour of coach transport were its speed and the fares, which made it able to compete with other means of transport. Motor-coach traffic became a remarkable social factor in Finland. It made the different parts of the country equal, as regards means of transport. The static way of life, typical of the countryside, changed remarkably. Motor-coach transport made local centres busier and travel to and from work easier. Better connections also contributed to the structural changes in towns and improved the carrying of post. Motor-coach traffic was also a considerable cultural factor. Especially tours in hired coaches to cultural events became very popular. Also coach tours in Finland and abroad were stimulating and increased tourism. Motor-coach traffic was an important moderniser in the society