Editorial: the tram to the future
In an editorial, Mayor Pekka Timonen presents what Finland's fastest-changing city will look like next year and in the near future, when the construction of the tramway begins.
Construction of the Vantaa tramway will start soon, early next year. The tramway is the biggest investment in the history of the City of Vantaa. It will transform and guide the city's development. The result will be the city of Vantaa.
It will create a new basis for Vantaa's growth. Residential blocks will be built next to the employment areas in the Aviapolis area and a brand new residential area in the Väritehta area. By building residential and employment areas along the tramway route and bringing services to them, a dense and high-quality urban fabric will be created. The Tampere tramway and the Raide-Jokeri are recent examples of this.
The most important measure of public transport is its performance. The quality and coverage of a city's public transport system is measured technically in terms of the number of departures, kilometres travelled and speed, but ultimately it is the performance that counts. It ensures a positive user experience and creates new connections.
In fact, the tram is not just a transport solution, but the creator of a new city and a new region. Access to the tram will have a major impact on the provision of services, education, healthcare and job opportunities. It provides a reliable and permanent connection.
Vantaa is a central point for transport throughout Finland. The tramway strengthens and connects the region's main transport hubs. For example, from Mellunmäki metro station we can easily get to Tikkurila station and from there to the airport. In time, new tram projects in Helsinki can be linked to Vantaa's tracks, creating even more connections.
The construction of the tramway is undoubtedly a major investment, but the positive effects will last for decades. In the overall economy, the tramway will generate revenue for the city from construction along the route: land use contract fees, land sales and rental income, and tax revenue from new residents and businesses. The tramway is also expected to have a positive impact on real estate prices and various investments.
All roads bring benefits to Vantaa - the fastest changing city in Finland. This is ensured by the main line, the main roads and the airport, and soon also by the Vantaa tramway.
Pekka Timonen, Mayor
