Helsinki invests in extensive, reliable and fast public transport. When planning, the needs of a variety of different user groups, such as children, the elderly and the disabled, are taken into consideration. According to a recent study by the automobile associations of 15 countries, these goals have been met very well. The public transport system of Helsinki was also ranked second in a comparison of 23 European cities.
Over the years, the public transport system of Helsinki has performed well in many international comparisons, including topping the list of no less than 75 European cities in a 2009 study by the European Commission. Helsinki has always been among the top cities in the annual BEST study. In 2009, Helsinki was ranked second in the “Citizen Satisfaction” category.
The public transport system of the Helsinki metropolitan area consists of many different means of transport. The metro and commuter trains form the basis, which is complemented by buses and, in the central city area, trams. All trains leave from Helsinki Central Station, stop next at Pasila station, and then continue on from there in different directions.
Rail traffic favoured
Helsinki also favours the use of environmentally friendly trams. A metro carriage carrying hundreds of people uses, per passenger, only one-thirtieth of the energy needed for an automobile – without the emission of exhaust gases. In the near future, the amount of people using rail traffic will increase, due to the construction of new housing near train and metro stations.
The metro has been a significant part of the public transport system of Helsinki since commencing operations in 1982. The line currently measures 21km, taking 23 minutes to travel from one end to the other. At present, a 14km extension reaching the Helsinki region’s western suburbs is under construction, and the line is planned to be ready for operations in 2014. In addition, there are plans to extend the metro system even further east, as well as to the west and also to the airport.
Trams in the central city area
In the central city area, trams are the main form of public transport, with the extensive tram network used daily by approximately 200,000 passengers. During the next 20 years, the network will be extended to reach several new residential areas.
Room for cycling
Helsinki is extremely bicycle-friendly and enjoys a very large bikeway network that includes some 1,180 km of roads, tracks, paths or marked lanes specifically designated for cyclists, with 2,600 km in total covering the entire metropolitan area. Helsinki has also an extensive network of recreational paths, 90 km of which run along the shoreline.
Good choices for the environment
In its calls for tender, the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) favours vehicles with low emissions. In addition, HSL studies and tests the suitability of alternative fuels for public transport operating in the metropolitan area. Most buses run on diesel, but there are also a certain number of vehicles fuelled by natural gas.
