Even In Winter!
The only network missing from the video above is the Metro, but as it is mostly underground, you might pyreseume that it looks the same in Winter as in Summer. There are two services on the simple network …
… which runs from west …
… through Helsinki centre and on to the two branches in the east.
We have already met the station which connects with the new “light rail” line 15.
The western line has been recently extended and, a bit like the Elizabeth Line line, has some superb architecture.
Here we have a mural …
… and a superb hanging light display display on the platform. Apparently they pulsate “to give a homely atmosphere”.
fbb mansions has a homely atmosphere but his lights don’t pulsate – usually!
These particular stops are very light and open …
… with a splendid sloping ceiling.
Are the trains red or orange – memories of …
“Strathclyde red”!
Interestingly, the trains have room for bikes at both end of the unit.
So four bike parks on a typical two unit train.
By far the main provision of transport in the central area of Helsinki is by a superb network of trams. There is no geographical tram map, so, for outsiders, matching the routes to reality is a bit of a challenge.
Note the Metro as an orange dotted line and suburban local “proper” trains show as a thin purple line.
Here is a full list of tram routes which you will almost certainly not understand.
fbb will choose a line or two to look at more closely in tomorrow’s blog.
Now, is a selection of the trams themselves. They are mostly quite short by today’s long-snake standards, which is probably why the city is so enthusiastic about using “light rail” instead of “tram” for the soon to open line 15.
But, fear not dear readers; they do have modern longer slinkier ones!
Are these very different from the stock on line 15?
Also, to complete this brief overview, there are suburban trains …
… and blue buses.
It all looks very impressive – but how easy is it to find your way around?
Whoops!
And an email received by fbb at 1700 yesterday.
Wasn’t this very expensive work meant to improve the line?
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