
The new light rail line connection between Itäkeskus and Keilaniemi began operating in the fall of 2023. This fast and reliable mode of transport has been warmly received by commuters. Those working at the Life Science Center are particularly pleased, as the tram’s terminal stop is located right outside the new part of the building. Now, companies interested in sustainability have one more reason to choose the Life Science Center as their office location.
Thanks to the light rail line, more and more commuters are choosing public transportation
Commuters have enthusiastically embraced the light rail line, and the new connection has made many people’s daily lives easier.
Tarja Castren, who works at HP Finland, says the light rail line perfectly serves her needs.
“I gave up my car last autumn, and the tram has been a real jackpot for me. It’s less than a five-minute walk from my home to the station, and I can get directly to the office without any transfers. The intervals are so short that there’s no need to even check the schedule.”
Jouni Liuha, a tram driver, confirms that commuters have flocked to the light rail line. According to him, there are hardly any other passengers on the route in the mornings and afternoons. When the line started, it suffered from cars straying onto the tracks, but according to Liuha, that no longer happens.
“The runs are rarely interrupted anymore. Drivers have learned the new driving arrangements, and markings have been improved in a few challenging spots. These improvements have solved the problems.”
Life Science Center is the choice for companies that care about sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Life Science Center’s operations. This is evident, for example, in an energy efficiency project that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 238 tons per year. Life Science Center attracts companies for whom sustainability is a core value. Together with them, we want to encourage and support people in making responsible choices in their daily lives. Promoting sustainable commuting is one way to do this.
Life Science Center offers excellent conditions for sustainable commuting
With the light rail line, the already excellent public transportation links have been further improved. Previously, one could reach the Life Science Center by metro from both the east and west. Now, the tracks also carry passengers from the north and northeast to Keilaniemi. The light rail line route runs from Helsinki’s Itäkeskus through 34 stops to Keilaniemi. The total duration of the route is about one hour, and for example, it takes less than 20 minutes from Leppävaara to Keilaniemi. As of the time of writing, the service interval is 8 minutes, but it is planned to be reduced to 6 minutes eventually.
Using the light rail line is an easy way to increase the sustainability of commuting and reduce the carbon footprint. Tram transport produces no local emissions, and the trams run on electricity generated from renewable energy. Per 100 kilometers, the light rail line consumes 250 times less energy per passenger than a gasoline-powered vehicle. In addition to public transport, cycling is an excellent way to improve the sustainability of commuting. That’s why Life Science Center has also considered the needs of cyclists. The parking garage includes a separate bike park with a washing station for bikes.