Länsimetro

GENERAL

When will the west metro be complete?

The metro completion date depends on various factors. Metro traffic to Matinkylä could begin in 2015 at the earliest.

When will the metro be extended from Matinkylä to Kivenlahti?

Extension of the metro to the west from Matinkylä requires separate investigation and planning. It is not yet known when it would be possible to make decisions on construction.

Will the metro be automated or will it have a driver?

The entire metro line between Helsinki and Espoo will be automated, i.e. driverless. The automation will first be implemented on the existing metro line.

How long will the station platforms be?

The stations are being designed to fit two pairs of train cars.

Will there be a depot in Espoo from where the trains can be fed to the line in the mornings and taken in case of breakdown?

Space will be reserved in Matinkylä for a metro train storage and cleaning facility which could be used to store some pairs of cars. This will increase the efficiency of traffic start-up in the morning as trains can be fed to the line from both ends. Trains requiring maintenance during the day can be directed to turnaround tracks where necessary.

Will there be a traffic control centre?

The main control centre will be shared with the existing metro line.

Will the personnel be from Espoo or will there be a new company in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area to be in charge of everything?

According to law, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council is charged with the organisation of traffic.

When did Länsimetro Oy begin operations?

Länsimetro Oy began operations on 15 June 2007, the date of the first Board meeting. The Board of the company comprises Olavi Louko (chairman), Matti Lahdenranta (vice-chairman), Tuula Saxholm, Martti Merra, Pekka Vaara, Reijo Tuori and Nina Knaapila. The Board invited Timo Kuismin as its secretary and appointed Matti Kokkinen as the company's Managing Director. Martti Tieaho was appointed as a permanent special advisor.

Will the stations preceding Matinkylä be introduced beforehand or only once the entire route is complete?

The west metro will be introduced once completed. It will not be possible to organise feeder traffic to Tapiola alone. This means there will be two feeder traffic terminals in Espoo when metro traffic begins: Matinkylä and Tapiola.

STATIONS

Will the new stations be fitted with gates, which would serve to stop at least some passengers travelling without a ticket? This works extremely well in large cities such as London.

Fare gates are an option. The decision to introduce fare gates is an entirely different matter, but will be taken into account in designs.

What types of escalators will the metro stations be fitted with? I should hope that they won't be long (such as in Ruoholahti and Kamppi), as they are a safety risk and force people to use lifts instead.

The metro designs strive towards solutions ensuring the smoothness of travel. The aim is to build the stations as close to ground level as possible with the metro tunnel completely inside the rock. A tunnel built inside the rock is less expensive than a tunnel which has to penetrate soil layers. Lengthy escalators will be avoided where possible.

Will the station be underground in Koivusaari, too? What will be the access routes to the Koivusaari station?

Koivusaari station will also be an underground station. The main entrance to the metro station will be situated in the marina area on the east shore of Koivusaari, while the second entrance is to be constructed on the western shore of Lauttasaari at Katajaharju.

Could the metro be implemented without the construction and station at Koivusaari?

The metro designs will include the option of constructing a station in Koivusaari. A decision concerning the construction of the station has been made in connection with the decision to construct the metro. The development of Koivusaari is a land use project of the City of Helsinki and is not decided on in connection with the metro. Designs will be made to allow the construction of the metro line with or without the station or construction at Koivusaari.

Why is there going be a station in Keilaniemi? Everyone travels there by car.

A station in Keilaniemi will make it possible for people working there to switch over to public transport. The station will also serve people living in Itäranta.

Will there be a station in Niittykumpu?

The geometry of the line will be designed to allow the construction of a station in Niittykumpu. However, the station may not necessarily be built during the first phase of construction. A similar approach was adopted during the construction of the Helsinki metro with Kaisaniemi station. Designs for the metro line between Tapiola and Matinkylä include Urheilupuisto station and an option to construct a station in Niittykumpu.

What does it mean that there will not "necessarily" be a station in Niittykumpu? This will mean a long stretch between Matinkylä and Niittymaa with no station.

Current land use in Niittykumpu fails to generate a sufficient number of users warranting the construction of a metro station. The introduction of Niittykumpu station requires land use development: the space-consuming car dealerships and other shops would need to be replaced by residential buildings and/or office space.

However, in anticipation of the possible future construction of a station the underground platform will be excavated in connection with the construction of the metro line. The introduction of the station is tied to land use solutions and the respective timetables relating to the area along Merituulentie.

I would like to know about the estimated daily number of users of Urheilupuisto station and its capacity in connection with major events. Does the estimated number of daily users comprise only residents and sports enthusiasts, or does it include people working in the Orion area?

In the project plan the estimated number of daily users of Urheilupuisto station is around 9,000. Some Orion employees are expected to start using the metro. Moreover, additional residential construction is planned next to the station along Merituulentie.

The obvious purpose of the metro is to facilitate the travel of as many groups as possible, including sports enthusiasts and local residents. Local residents have been inconvenienced by traffic jams caused by major events - the intention is that the metro would also serve this group of users.

What will happen to bus line 20 Lauttasaari-Erottaja once the metro is completed?

The majority of direct bus lines between Lauttasaari and the centre of Helsinki will be withdrawn once the west metro is complete. According to current plans feeder traffic to the metro station within Lauttasaari will be organised with three feeder lines (two from Vattuniemi and one from Katajaharju). Two of these lines will have their terminus at the metro station while one will continue across the Lauttasaari bridge towards the city centre. At this point of the planning process no decisions have been made on the bus line to continue to the city centre, its route or its end of the line. Final decisions on the feeder lines and their routes will be made by Helsinki City Transport closer to the date when traffic is set to begin.

Why is it planned that the feeder buses in Lauttasaari will operate along Gyldenintie, which is quite narrow, instead of Särkiniementie?

The objective is for feeder traffic to pass as close to the station entrances as possible. This can be observed in the feeder traffic line map.

How will you be able to get to the city centre from Lauttasaari if you don't want to use the metro? How, for example, will you be able to go from Katajaharju to Erottaja?

According to current plans one bus line will remain in operation from Lauttasaari (Vattuniemi) to the city centre (Erottaja). Other buses currently operating from Katajaharju and Vattuniemi to the city centre (e.g. line 20) will terminate at Lauttasaari metro station, with smooth access to the platform.

The interval of metro trains will be 2.5 minutes during rush hour and 5 minutes during the day. There will no longer be buses from Espoo to Helsinki through Lauttasaari; regional bus lines will be changed to feeder lines operating to Matinkylä or Tapiola, from where Espoo residents will continue their journey to Helsinki using the metro.

To go from Katajaharju to Erottaja, you should either change buses in Lauttasaari or transfer from a bus to the metro and take the metro to Rautatientori.

The metro to Lauttasaari will be a good thing, but the shopping centre where the station is to be located is a long way away for many people. A lot of the senior citizens have moved to the southern part of the island, where the new buildings have been designed to comply with new accessibility standards. It would be extremely desirable to have a direct line to the city.

Three bus lines are in the plans for Lauttasaari. The buses would stop at both metro station entrances (Gyldenintie and shopping centre). According to current plans, two of the lines would operate from Vattuniemi to the shopping centre (one along the western and one along the eastern shore). One of them would continue to Ruoholahti and further towards the centre.

Bus connections from Haukilahti to Niittykumpu would surely be faster than the proposed route to congested Tapiola or a route "backwards" to Matinkylä.

The planning of bus traffic for Espoo is the responsibility of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council. In Helsinki this task belongs to Helsinki City Transport. The time span for route planning is three to five years, i.e. routes are constantly being developed to best meet the needs of the users.

How many parking spaces will there be at different stations? I saw mention of parking facilities for 300 cars at Niittymaa and Matinkylä. Do you really think that will be enough? The use of public transport could be promoted with functional park and ride facilities.

The primary objective is for people to use feeder connections to reach the stations. In addition, park and ride facilities will be provided at each station. The number of parking spaces to be constructed is limited not only by construction costs but also by the space available and surrounding land use.

The number of parking spaces at Matinkylä and Jousenpuisto stations seems quite small. Would it be possible increase it?

Parking arrangements larger in scale than proposed in the designs are possible for both stations. The issue is ultimately one of financing.

Since not everyone works in the centre of Helsinki I hope that bus connections from Espoo via Munkkiniemi will remain operational. How will the metro affect these lines? A lot of people from Espoo work in that direction, for example, in hospitals and schools, and we also go to Seurasaari.

The so-called 500 series buses towards Munkkiniemi will continue in service.

Will direct bus lines from central Espoo to Kamppi also be withdrawn once the metro is complete?

The metro will affect lines going to Kamppi along the Western Motorway. These will be changed to feeder lines to Matinkylä and Tapiola. The metro will mean the end of direct bus lines from southern Espoo to southern Helsinki.

How big and well-equipped will the bicycle parking facilities be? They would not be expensive to build but all the more recommendable from the point of view of the environment and national health.

Bicycle parking facilities will be designed for all metro stations, and their measurements will allow later expansion where necessary. Cycling is an excellent mode of feeder traffic.

Could some of the bicycle parking facilities be built in "supervised indoor areas"? This would reduce the risk of vandalism and would keep the bicycles dry in case of rain. This would only take up a few car parking spaces.

The objective is for the placement of park and ride facilities for bicycles to make feeder traffic by bicycle an attractive and convenient feeder traffic alternative.

ROUTE

Where can I find out the precise route that the metro tunnel is going to take? Will it go from Niittymaa to Matinkylä via Tonttukumpu or will part of the route travel under Haukilahti? If so, where?

You can get to know the route of the metro tunnel at the Länsimetro Oy office in Tapiola at Tapiontori 3 A, FI-02100 Espoo. You can also find a description of the tunnel route on our website under Stations.

The metro tunnel will proceed from Urheilupuisto station via Tontunmäki under Merituulentie at the Haukilahdenkatu exit, passing under Haukilahdenkatu. It will then continue via Niittykumpu, passing under the Western Motorway and arriving at Matinkylä.

You can get a better picture of the route by studying it, for example, at our office.

Niittykumpu has a lot of residents, offices, a school, a church, a graveyard, car dealerships, a post office, a shopping centre, a sports field, etc. I propose that you reserve an option to build a station in Koivusaari and build a station in Niittykumpu.

Both Niittykumpu and Koivusaari can be introduced during the first phase. This is a question of determining the extent of the first implementation phase. The number of users in Niittykumpu would be considerably higher than in Koivusaari, but calculations suggest that the current number of users would not be sufficient for opening a station.

Would it be possible some day to extend the metro from Matinkylä to Kirkkonummi or Kauklahti?

The metro can be extended west from Matinkylä. No decisions-in-principle have yet been made as concerns the extension, let alone the future destination of the line.

Would it be possible to extend the Matinkylä-Kivenlahti portion of the west metro to Saunalahti? This would ensure access to the westernmost part of Espoo and efficient traffic connections to the rapidly growing Saunalahti area.

This route alternative is technically possible. A reservation for tracks has been made in the draft Master Plan. As of yet there is no decision on the extension of the metro west of Matinkylä.

Will the tracks be constructed above ground from Niittymaa to Matinkylä?

The tracks will travel inside a tunnel for their entire length.

Why isn't the metro planned to go via Haukilahti?

The aim of the metro route is to attract as many users to the metro as possible using a combination of the metro and feeder traffic. This is the starting point for the proposed route.

Why is the metro being planned to only include one line? It would be high time to start expanding further, such as from Otaniemi towards Munkkivuori - where the space for a metro station has already been excavated.

The metro is a relatively large investment. Construction opportunities are limited by the amount of resources available. The metro network takes time to develop. If necessary, two metro services could be operated, for example, Matinkylä-Vuosaari and Tapiola-Mellunmäki.

Why does the metro make a 3 km detour to Otaniemi but doesn't make a similar detour to Olari, which is a huge residential suburb?

Keilaniemi-Otaniemi-Tapiola is Espoo's most significant innovation and technology hub, whose operating conditions an efficient metro connection will serve to enhance. The connection of Otaniemi to the other university campuses in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area will ensure efficient traffic connections between educational institutions, supporting versatile education opportunities.

In Kalasatama in Helsinki the station preceded residential and office space construction by several years, so that the station would be able to serve the developing area right from the start. Why isn't a similar approach being taken with Niittykumpu station?

The introduction of Niittykumpu station depends on the development of land use in the area and decision-making relating to the station.

Where can I view the designs for Niittykumpu station?

There are no designs yet for Niittykumpu station.

Why build Urheilupuisto station in the middle of nowhere, when there is a great number of residents here (Niittykumpu) who need the station closer to us?

The construction of Urheilupuisto station is linked with the traffic arrangements of major events in the sports park. It will also be within walking distance of residents and workplaces in the Koivumankkaa area.

It would be good to have a station near Ring Road I. Could that be taken into consideration in the plans?

The stations closest to Ring Road I are Otaniemi (approx. 400 metres to the western entrance) and Keilaniemi (approx. 100 metres to the main entrance).

If the west metro is extended west of Matinkylä, could Soukanniemi come before/after Soukka?

Only preliminary designs exist for the line west of Matinkylä. It is not yet clear whether the tracks will travel only partly or completely inside a tunnel west of Matinkylä. This is one factor affecting both the route and the eventual location of stations.

When will the construction of the west metro west of Matinkylä begin? Where can I see how the alternative routes (if undecided) will pass Iivisniemi?

The first phase of construction (the construction of the metro to Matinkylä) will start in 2009 from Ruoholahti. At best the first phase to Matinkylä will be finalised in the autumn of 2014. Extension westward requires a great deal of planning and investigation. In theory, it might be possible to continue construction immediately after the completion of the first phase, but in addition to the above it would also require decisions on the route, timetable and financing.

Why won't the west metro go through Olari, even though a lot of passengers would get on there?

The examination of alternative routes revealed that the planned route would be less expensive than a route via Olari (www.espoo.fi > Espoon palvelut > Kaavoitus > Liikennesuunnittelu > Liikennesuunnittelun julkaisuja).

Will the west metro go via Soukka? If so, when will it be completed?

Preliminary plans, including the proposed Master Plan for the southern parts of Espoo, include a track option from Matinkylä to Kivenlahti via Soukka. In its metro decision of 25 September 2005 the Espoo Council requires that the metro is extended to Kivenlahti immediately upon completion of the current line.

Where will the Metro cross the Western Motorway from north to south? Before or after the Ring Road II exit?

According to the preliminary route, the Western Motorway will be crossed slightly south of Ring Road II.

Is it possible that the west metro would one day branch towards Leppävaara at Otaniemi, and possibly towards Tapiola in Otaniemi on the way back from Leppävaara?

The proposed Master Plan for the southern parts of Espoo includes a reservation for rail traffic from Tapiola towards Leppävaara. Investigations on implementing the connection as an express tram are currently being launched.

Why can't the "metro" travel along the Western Motorway between Lauttasaari (Katajaharju) and Karhusaari? Seems like a huge waste of money, and deprives the passengers of a view of the sea.

The structural solutions used for leading the metro above ground from the tunnel and later back into the tunnel are demanding structures whose construction requires special expertise. A track running above ground would not be cheaper. The issue also involves other values, which have been assessed in the EIA report (http://www.raideyva.fi).

CONSTRUCTION

Will the metro construction cause noise pollution under our house in Lauttasaari on Meripuistotie? The tunnel will travel directly under our house.

The construction of the metro tunnel will cause some noise. The aim is to time the work and measure the techniques employed so as not to cause unreasonable disturbance to the residents.

Area of the Lauttasaari metro station: The metro worksite at the shopping centre will be on the island's busiest spot, which is already in complete gridlock thanks to deliveries and other traffic! Worksite traffic with lorries transporting rock will simply not fit in the area of the shopping centre.

Traffic arrangements in and around the worksite will be organised with a view to causing as little disruption as possible to other traffic. A similarly challenging recent project was the construction of the Kamppi area, where a great degree of success was achieved, even though the rock from the worksite was transported from an area which is even more congested than Lauttasaari.

The metroline will pass directly under our house. Will the tunnel have an impact on the bedrock and on the foundations of the house, resulting in cracks and vibration? Our house is old and built on the rock.
The techniques to be employed will be selected so that no damage is caused to existing buildings. The condition of the building stock will be surveyed before work is begun. Should any damage be sustained by buildings, the constructor will be liable to repair such damages. The elimination of the vibration and noise caused by the trains is one of the guiding design principles.

Whose insurance will cover damages in private residences resulting from the blasting? For example, a heavy vase falls on the floor and dents the floor, etc. Does the contractor have insurance for such events, or should residents make sure their home insurance is up-to-date? My other question is: will it be possible to hear or feel the metro trains in a house located directly above the metro tunnel?

Any unfortunate events, such as a vase falling on the floor and breaking, will always be handled on a case-by-case basis. Excavation and blasting work will be closely monitored; any damages resulting from these can be identified. It is nevertheless recommended to keep your home insurance up-to-date, as your insurance company may reclaim any damages compensated from the contractor where necessary.

The track structures will include features for damping noise; damping will be complemented in steep curves with acoustic structures on the ceiling and walls. Vibration during the trains' operation will be minor. The tracks will be welded together, lying on a platform of crushed stone, ensuring extremely smooth train operation.

In Lauttasaari the metro tunnel will pass under the block of flats at the address Lauttasaarentie 20-22. How deep underground will the tunnel be there? And how powerful will the blasts be, will it be possible to sense the blasts on the second floor of the block of flats? Will they cause vibration? What if something happens to the foundations of the building because of the blasting; whose insurance will cover possible damages? What kind of insurance does the metro constructor have?

In Lauttasaari the metro tunnel will travel at a depth of 20-30 metres. The ceiling of the tunnel at Lauttasaarentie 20-22 is likely to be at a depth of around 22-23 metres at its highest and around 28 metres at its lowest. There will be around three blastings per day. The tunnel will advance approximately 250 metres per month. The nearer the building the blasts take place, the more powerful they will appear. The charges will be measured so as not to cause damage to buildings.

Before work is begun, all properties along the route will be surveyed in order to ensure the appropriate and expedient repairing of any damages resulting from blasting. According to the contract, the contractors are liable to repair any damages caused to properties by the blasting, as the charges used must be measured so as not to cause damage to properties. Contractors are also required to have sufficient insurance.

ENVIRONMENT

The Matinkylä bus terminal could resemble that of Forum, so that you wouldn't have to wait for the bus in the rain.

The aim is for the Matinkylä bus terminal to be comfortable for the users.

The metro stations along the existing metro line are extremely depressing, ugly, unpleasant, dirty and even unsafe. Are you doing something different in the designs of the west metro, will more attention be paid to the stations' beauty, pleasantness and comfort of use than before?

The starting point for the designs of the west metro is a modern, pleasant and comfortable means of travel.

I hope that there will be glass screens on the metro stations between the platform and the train. This would significantly reduce any inconvenience caused by noise and smell. They would also improve safety, preventing people from falling onto the tracks in front of the train. I have personally witnessed a person jumping in front of a metro train as it approaches the station. This would have been impossible if the platform were fitted with glass screens.
The stations of the west metro will be fitted with platform screen doors, increasing passenger safety in the platform area.

MISCELLANEOUS

Have you made assessments concerning the number of users for the metro stations to be constructed in Espoo? How many people will use the metro stations daily in, for example, Tapiola or Otaniemi?

The number of passengers was assessed in the Environmental Impact Assessment report (http://www.raideyva.fi). The number of daily users in 2030 was estimated at around 30,000 for Tapiola station and at roughly 12,000 for Otaniemi station.

How big a reduction will there be in the number of buses departing from Kamppi and arriving from Espoo once the west metro is operational? (I live on Lapinrinne and would like to know how many buses will be driving past my window in the future.)

Direct lines from Kamppi to Espoo during the metro's traffic hours will be withdrawn. Bus lines from further west (e.g. Kirkkonummi) will remain operational.

Transfer times from the metro to the street level have been given for Lauttasaari station. What are the corresponding times for stations in Espoo?

Transfer times have not been calculated yet for other stations. As a rule, they will be similar to those proposed for Lauttasaari station. The objective is to construct the platform level as close to ground level as possible inside the rock. The aim of this will be to ensure short transfer times from the platform to ground level.

How is the metro planning to attract the necessary travellers to use public transport? Transfers will make travel times to the centre of Helsinki longer and a view of the sea will be replaced by the rock walls of an underground tunnel.

The metro's competitiveness is based on regular uninterrupted traffic. A comparison of the various solutions was made when deciding on the system to be adopted. The material is available, for example, at http://www.raideyva.fi/.

What will happen to residents' parking in the area of the Lauttasaari station? The number of parking spaces is now being cut by feeder traffic, and there will also be more cars in the area.

One of the objectives is that the reduction in the number of parking spaces available to residents and companies caused by feeder traffic is kept to a minimum. Designs concerning traffic arrangements above ground have yet to be completed.

What will be the fare if I cross the border between municipalities? How will this be monitored in practice?

Fares are as yet undecided. According to current legislation the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV) is charged with traffic across municipal boundaries.

How long will it take to ride the metro from Ruoholahti to Otaniemi?