Helsinki looks to app to reduce car usage

HELSINKI — To encourage car drivers to use public transportation, the local government of Helsinki is working with a local tech company’s smartphone app that lets people combine public transit with car rentals, ride sharing, taxis, and other private sector services, MIT Technology Review reported.

The app, called Whim, provides users with the best route to get to their destination, whether it’s by bus, train, or car. And, if you're happy with the plan, you can approve the trip and it's automatically paid for, the report said.

A Helsinki Transport Authority official noted that Whim — which has financial backing from car manufacturers and dealers — could promote more car sharing and thus decrease the use of public transit, MIT Technology Review reported. For the full story, click here.