Rail traffic supports environmental objectives

The metro is environmentally friendly. In order to transport one passenger the metro only needs one thirtieth of the energy required by a car, and causes no exhaust emissions.

The energy efficiency of rail traffic exceeds that of bus traffic. Once the west metro is completed, bus traffic from southern Espoo to the centre of Helsinki along the Western Motorway will be withdrawn. Feeder buses will transport passengers living along the route of the west metro to the metro stations. Efficient and reliable, the west metro is also expected to curb the growth of car traffic in southern Espoo.

Environmental Impact Assessment complete
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regarding the metro/rail connection between Ruoholahti and Matinkylä was carried out in 2005. The assessment included the examination of the current system based on buses, an advanced system based on buses, two metro alternatives (tracks inside a tunnel and tracks partly above ground) and three express tram alternatives. The assessment placed the impacts in the year 2030. Espoo City Council made a decision to construct the metro in accordance with the "Tunnel metro" alternative of the EIA report.

More information on EIA, www.raideyva.fi

Noise and vibration during operation

The metro traffic in the tunnel does not generate air-based sound. Frame noise is transferred from the train wheels via the rails and track structures into the rock. However, the metro tunnel will be designed as noiseless as possible. A maximum frame noise value is 35 dB.

The level of noise permitted can be compared to approximately 20 dB for the rustle of leaves, 40 dB for whispering, and 75 dB for the traffic noise in the Helsinki city.

Vibration during operation is minimal. The metro rails been welded together, and are resting on a foundation of crushed stone. They provide a smooth operation for the metro train.