2nd blog: Constraints for planning and costs

In this post, we take a closer look at the constraints under which we are planning the new route network for West Helsinki. We will also explain how the agreed cost framework is factored into planning.

We want to give residents opportunities to have their say on public transport planning. We engage people especially when there are genuine alternatives or open questions. However, planning constraints limit the extent to which residents can influence the planning. We aim to find solutions that serve as many residents and passengers as possible. The end result is always a compromise, and unfortunately, we cannot meet every individual wish.

The route network plan is not about cutting bus routes, but about reviewing them so that, together with tram routes, they provide even more versatile public transport connections.

Constraints for route planning

West Helsinki tram routes

The new light rail line 14 will run from Kannelmäki via Lassila, Haaga, Munkkiniemi and Meilahti to the city center, serving as the primary connection to downtown Helsinki. The West Helsinki light rail project will also affect existing tram routes. For example, tram tracks will be built on Topeliuksenkatu, and some existing tram services will be rerouted there. The construction and alignment of the West Helsinki light rail have been decided in earlier plans, which sets certain constraints for bus network planning.

The new tram routes will affect the bus network in many ways. We aim to avoid overlapping bus services with trams. Additionally, the City of Helsinki’s general plan, published in 2020, includes infrastructure guidelines that also affect bus network planning.

Trunk bus routes 20 and 30 will be discontinued in their current form

The new tram links will cover most of the routes of trunk buses 20 and 30. One of the starting points for the plan is that these routes, in their current form, will be discontinued when the new tram services start operating. Trams have a higher passenger capacity than the current trunk buses. The new tram routes will largely follow the routes of these trunk buses from Munkkivuori to Helsinki city center. In the future, trams will provide an efficient alternative to the current bus services. The new bus network we are planning will serve areas not covered by the new tram routes.

Buses will mainly run along Mannerheimintie and Mechelininkatu

Open questions about bus termini

Some planning constraints are clear, but changes in the urban environment create uncertainty. The bus termini at Elielinaukio are planned to be relocated to Kamppi in the near future. This means that the number of routes serving Kamppi will need to be critically assessed to ensure the terminal’s functionality and sufficient capacity in the future. We also need to explore alternative locations for bus termini in the western parts of the central city, for example, for the Munkkiniemenaukio terminus, which is expected to be removed from service due to construction.

Cost framework

The challenging economic situation of HSL and municipalities also impacts this route network plan. Our starting point is that operating costs must not exceed the established budget.

Currently, the annual operating costs of the bus routes in the planning area are about €41.5 million. Our current estimate for the total budget in the early 2030s, including tram services, is about €47.5 million. The share of the bus routes will be about €36.5 million.

This means that we aim to make changes by reorganizing existing routes.