Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency
FTIA is responsible for state-owned roads, railways and waterways, in other words, the transport network that keeps people and businesses moving. Cooperation with Lingsoft ensures that information related to routes, mobility and infrastructure is communicated in a clear, high-quality and timely manner – also in different languages.
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA) is responsible for planning, building and maintaining the state-owned road network, railways and waterways. This involves the entire life cycle of the transport network – and work that is visible in Finns’ daily life, mobility and logistics.
“You could say that our work affects the lives of every Finn, directly or at least indirectly. FTIA’s task is to ensure that Finland remains operational 24/7,” explains Hanna Ackley, Communications Manager at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.
The progress of transport infrastructure projects, changes in speed limits or new traffic arrangements always require a lot of communication to different target groups and in different languages. FTIA operates nationally from Hanko to Kilpisjärvi, so communications must be high quality and accessible throughout Finland.
“Our approach to communication is active: when we have something to say, we say it. The quality of communication has to be equally high in all official languages: Finnish, Swedish and Sámi. We also produce a lot of content in English.”
Professional language, instructions and everyday communication
Lingsoft has been providing FTIA with translations since 2019. The translated texts range from press releases, instructions and speeches to expert texts, publication abstracts, legal texts and materials containing technical vocabulary. The nature of the texts varies from communication aimed at the public to very specific specialist language in the transport sector.
“All our official texts go through professionals. Although we have a lot of language competence inside the organisation, using translation services is part of the professional communication process,” says Ackley.
For example, accuracy is particularly important in terminology related to the railway sector and infrastructure construction, which must remain consistent in different language versions.
“Some of the texts are extremely demanding professional language. Lingsoft has years of experience with the specialised vocabulary used in our sector, and this is reflected in the quality and smooth nature of cooperation.”
The translation service cannot be a bottleneck
FTIA has a small communications team and no translators of its own. This is why well-functioning cooperation with the language service partner is so important in terms of day-to-day operations. Processes have been developed with Lingsoft in a long-term manner and operating models have also been clarified at the same time.
“Our years of cooperation are reflected in the fact that we understand each other and know how the work will progress. Together, we have identified stumbling blocks and developed communication processes.”
Translations are a continuous and integral part of daily communication. Along with quality, the partner is expected to provide flexibility, smooth contact and the ability to stay on schedule.
“Language services are a necessity for us. They have to function without any bottlenecks and be a natural part of the communication package.”
Trust comes from everyday successes
Speed and flexibility are important, because some of the assignments have a tight schedule. Even in these situations, quality cannot be compromised.
“Scheduling pressures are unavoidable, but it’s a sign of good cooperation when the work also goes smoothly when things are busy.”
Above all, the focus in cooperation between FTIA and Lingsoft is on reliable day-to-day activities. A smooth process, a familiar contact person, evolving vocabulary and high-quality translations ensure that important transport-related information is provided in the right way regardless of the language.
“Fluency and quality build trust. Lingsoft is an important partner for us, helping to ensure that we can communicate about the work of FTIA in a reliable and consistent manner in different languages,” summarises Ackley.
Facts and figures
- Responsible for Finland’s transport network
- 490 personnel
- Indirectly employs 18,000 people
- EUR 2.9 billion in investment projects under construction
- 7,900 contracts
