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4rail.net - Reference - Finland - Operators - HKL | |
 HKL, the Helsinki Transit Authority, is a major Finnish rail and bus operator and organizer. Except for the buses where HKL is just an organizer, the role is similar to the pre European Union period: the organizer and the operator is one and the same. Although HKL is limited to organize the traffic within the city boundaries of Finnish Capital Helsinki (the Metropolitan area is much larger), it controls a great majority of the volyme in the area. The other operator is YTV, which organizes all the Metropolitan traffic outside city of Helsinki. For the rail operations, HKL has two separate operations: 1) The Metro operations on the 1524 mm line. 2) Light rail operations on the narrow gauge 1 meter line. Metro Operations The operations were started just 25 years ago to serve an area of one million people (although Helsinki itself has just 0,5 million inhabitants). The line was opened east of the Helsinki center to relieve the traffic congestion. There have been extensions to both ends, and a number of stations have been added as well. The major extesion to the city of espoo was decided in 2008, after decades of discussions. This extension will greatly boost the credibility of the current heavy rail line. The alternatives for the line were for long the light rail (argued for city planning purposes, coverage and cost effectiveness) and the current bus routes. Another line has been planned North of the center with interchange at the Kamppi station. This would finally solve the extremely congested north-south connection within the city center. This line would also link with the Pasila station to provide interconnections with all the major railway lines. The line currently, although vital to the public transportation, is in the planning stage only. Another extension is aimed towards east, where city of Helsinki just got new territory to provide more space for the urban housing. Another 2 station extension is planned for later building to the new harbor of Helsinki in Vuosaari. To create added quality for the city transportation there is a line two planned north south direction to relieve the otherwise congested public transportation. Even a Metro line to the Helsinki Airport has been in discussions, but that project does not seem likely in the short run, since there is a competing rail connection via much faster, comfortable and flexible normal rail line planned, building starting in 2008. Light Rail operations More on the subjects later. Also on Light Rail  Story on Vintage Trams by Stanislav Voronin
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(6.7.2008)
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 M100 (generation 1 for the Helsinki Metro), seen at Rastila some 15 kilometers east of the city center. Picture by Stanislav Voronin 2007.  M200 (generation 2) by Bombardier, seen in Rastila the same location as the above picture. Picture by Stanislav Voronin 2007.  Some of the HKL vintage fleet of trams celebrating the 85th year of narrow gauge tram line 3 in Helsinki. |
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| HKL - Metro | |
| M100, Metro of Generation 1 | |
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| M200, Metro of Generation 2 | |
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information to be added in the future. (JMcKey 1.1.2008) Sources: |
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| HKL - Narrow Gauge Trams | |
| HKL Vintage tram from 1959 | |
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Vintage trams of Helsinki, Story by Stanislav Voronin It was fresh and lovely sunny day - temperature was just a few degrees above zero, but enough to melt morning frost (who said water gets frozen at 0C?), no clouds at all, which was after a week or more of grey skys and rain gradually turning to snow and back to the rain, enough to make Finns, who gathered at the spot, feel warm and to smile. Just a great day to go for a walk. I was lazy to wake up in the morning, expecting one more grey day and therefore came to the spot in Kallio area just on time to get last cup of a hot coffee (the must attribute of Finnish life) from the yellow tent near the tram stop. This was a celebration of the 85th anniversary of the tram route 3b. This route is special one, because it makes 8-shape route around Helsinki, which makes it perfect for site seeing. Tram runs in areas where you can see the history of Helsinki through various architectural styles of buildings – from imperial Russian style through post war housing. There were two old trams running on route 3b, giving a free ride for everyone; and trams were crowded. I din’t like the idea to experience rush hour style transportation and decided to stay outside for a while. The trams were going in opposite directions. So, I was lucky to catch on camera two trams at ones as seen on the photo. If it wouldn’t be modern cars along the roadsides breaking authentic atmosphere, it could be like a picture from the “old good days”. :) The construction years of there trams are 1955 and 1959 (#12), all built in Finland by Valmet. Finally, after waiting for trams and snapping pictures for about two hours (full 3b circle takes at least one hour), I jumped into tram #12 for the last trip. It was nice get into warm cabin after a long photo session at fresh Finnish weather. I specially appreciated individual heating of the seats. All seats has individual heating, except four front rows (for no apparent reasons). The tram was perfectly restored and has brand new look. It was lovely to see big driver’s controls in steam punk style, disturbed only by modern electronic ticket selling device. Tram crawled through the area of Kallio, where buildings represent a mixture of late ugend (art neuvau) style and post-war socialist style housing. Together with the atmosphere of an old tram it was making a perfect “way back machine”. Passengers of this trip were basically tram enthusiasts. Who else want to ride on the tram all day? It a nice final of my Saturday photo session. I think that these trams could be still running for the regular traffic, creating special atmosphere of the city, why not? There are many cities, where much older and obsolete trams are still in use. (Stanislav Voronin 2008) |
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