Länsimetro

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Länsimetro (Finnish for 'western metro') is a common term used for the planned extension of the Helsinki Metro system from central Helsinki to the neighbouring city of Espoo. It is a very frequently raised question in the municipal politics of the two cities. The proposed metro line would be an extension of the current single metro line from Ruoholahti metro station to the Espoo districts of Tapiola and Matinkylä, through Lauttasaari in western Helsinki.

The first suggestions for the Länsimetro were made already when the metro system was in its initial planning stages in the 1950s, but the idea was rejected by the city of Espoo. The thought has recently seen a revival as a result of the continuous traffic jams on the Länsiväylä, which is the only motorway between southern Espoo and central Helsinki.

The negative attitude taken by the city of Espoo is resultant of the high estimated price of the project (390 million euros), which they are unwilling to pay. Espoo is also a relatively loosely built city with a lot of detached houses, and as a result of this enjoys a reputation as an upper middle class city. The building of the Länsimetro would create tighter residence around the station, and the city's image might suffer.

Opponents of the Länsimetro often cite light rail transport as an alternative to the metro extension, saying it would be cheaper, faster to build and more environmentally friendly. However, an inquiry carried out for the Espoo city council in 2002 suggests that the metro system would be more profitable.

On September 25 2006, the Espoo city council made an official decision about whether to adopt Länsimetro. The result was 45 votes to 19 in favour of the metro. [1] The construction of the metro will begin as soon as possible. Espoo's criterion for acceptance was that planning for the second stage of the line should also be started. The first stage of the Länsimetro is expected to be completed in 2013.