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Thursday, 25.04.2024, 15:23
Estonian GoSwift wins global Transport Award for smart border crossing point
GoSwift, an Estonian
public-private partnership, allows pre-booking of time slots and virtual
queueing for border crossings via the web, a call centre or self-service
terminals. Better use of the capacity of border crossing points and more
efficient journey planning for trucks and tourists are just two of the
immediate benefits.
The service was developed as a response to kilometre-long queues of vehicles
waiting to cross the EU border from Estonia into Russia. Prior to the introduction
of GoSwift, waiting times at the
border could reach 5 to 6 days at peak times. With the queue management
service, they are now down to around 30 minutes.
Drivers are informed in real-time on the number of vehicles waiting at the
border, enabling them to adapt their journey. Designated waiting areas provide
secure parking, as well as restaurants, toilets, showers and free Wi-Fi.
The mandatory pre-booking has also cut out illicit trade and eliminated the
thriving black market for border crossing slots. The disappearance of truck
queues has improved local traffic flows and road safety. The environment has
benefitted both locally in terms of less waste, reduced noise and fewer exhaust
fumes, as well as globally through less CO2 emissions from idling
vehicles.
Trade and tourism statistics show increased activity across the border. Between
2010 and 2013, exports from Estonia to Russia grew by more than 66%, and the
number of Russian visitors to Estonia increased by 35% in 2013. The Estonian
Association of International Road Transport Carriers estimates that Estonian
carrier companies have been able to save 4 Million Euros annually thanks to the
GoSwift service.
Following the success of the Estonian project, the same queuing service has
been implemented at five Lithuanian border crossing points and at one Finnish
border point on crossings to Russia and Belarus.
In awarding GoSwift the ITF Transport
Achievement Award 2015, the jury noted the “excellent approach to facilitate
border crossing” and applauded the positive impact the GoSwift project has on improving conditions for locals and drivers
at the border as well as the wider economic benefits for tourism and trade
between Estonia and Russia.
Said Mr Hannes Plinte, CEO of GoSwift: “Launching GoSwift required new thinking from the public and private
stakeholders involved. The rapid improvements at the border confirmed that it
was the right approach, and we are glad to see our achievement recognised by
the ITF Transport Achievement Award.”
Kristen Michal, Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure,
commented: “We are glad that the Estonian government made the decision in 2010
to develop and operate an electronic queue at the border. The concession
agreement with a private company has proven a pragmatic and highly
cost-effective approach. The ITF Award for GoSwift
is a recognition for Estonia’s achievements in e-Government solutions.”
Special mention for TRANSDANUBE project
The jury also awarded a Special Mention to the project “TRANSDANUBE –
Sustainable Transport and Tourism along the Danube”. With its vast natural and
cultural heritage and its geopolitical position, the Danube region is one of
the most promising tourist destinations in Europe. Transport infrastructure and
mobility services vary widely, however, and co-operation among stakeholders has
been weak. TRANSDANUBE, developed by the Austrian Environment Agency together
with 14 partners from 8 countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Germany,
Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia), is successfully creating a
framework for co-operation based on an integrated approach to transport and
tourism and a common vision of soft mobility. Activities range from new bicycle
routes, Danube water busses to tourist packages that do not require use of a
private car.
ITF’s Annual Summit is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and
the leading global platform for dialogue on transport policy. The 2015 Summit
convenes in Leipzig, Germany from 27‑29 May 2015.