What has happened to the Jousenpuisto station? That location seems to be occupied by the Urheilupuisto station. Has the name been changed or is it a new station?
The Jousenpuisto station has been renamed Urheilupuisto. It is the same station, and only the name has changed. The name Urheilupuisto is descriptive of the numerous sports facilities located in the immediate vicinity of the station.
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?
According to current plans 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. Decisions have so far been made only as concerns the commencement of planning.
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 Jousenpuisto station and an option to construct a station in Niittykumpu.
I would like to know about the estimated daily number of users of Jousenpuisto 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 Jousenpuisto 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.