Light rail attracts businesses, housing construction and investments to Espoo

Tracks do not only make it possible to transport people from one place to another, but they also affect land use and the urban structure. Unlike bus lines, tracks stay in place and are therefore more attractive to businesses and investors.

“Tracks attract businesses and investments, which is reflected in the development and appeal of Keilaniemi, Otaniemi and Leppävaara. The light rail is also an important regional project,” says Olli Isotalo, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment.

“Companies and housing developers are interested in good locations at public transport hubs. In Espoo, the light rail offers transfer connections to the metro in Keilaniemi and Otaniemi and to a train in Leppävaara. It makes sense to build dense urban centres with extensive services along rail transport lines,” says City Planning Director Torsti Hokkanen.

A great deal of city planning has been done along the new light rail line since the decision on its construction was made in June 2016. The main areas for planning have been Keilaniemi, Otaniemi and Leppävaara.

Approximately 400,000 square metres of new housing have been planned along the light rail line in Espoo, and about 100,000 square metres of gross floor area have been allocated for new business premises.

Espoo has made an estimate of the growth in the number of residents and jobs along the light rail zone by 2040. According to the estimate, the number of residents will increase by 15,000. The strongest growth is expected to take place in the Otaniemi-Keilaniemi area, where the population is predicted to increase to 10,000. The number of jobs in the area is expected to increase by more than 4,000.

Growth will also continue in Leppävaara and Perkkaa, where the number of both residents and jobs is expected to grow by more than 4,000 by 2040.

The area near the Natura 2000 site of Laajalahti will remain unbuilt. Laajalahti is known for its internationally valuable birdlife.

Rail transport is an effective way of reducing transport emissions. Espoo has set a goal of being carbon-neutral by 2030, and the light rail with zero local emissions supports this goal.

The light rail line 15 will replace the trunk bus line 550, thus reducing exhaust emissions from buses. The need for private car use will also decrease thanks to the quick light rail system with plenty of services along the route.

The light rail line will offer a cross-town route in Espoo and increase the comfort, capacity and punctuality of public transport services.