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The brand new Aalto University Metro station welcomed its first users early in the morning on 18 November.

The West Metro improves and speeds up public transport connections in Otaniemi, which has been dependent on bus service until now. The station is located at the heart of the university area and it has two entrances: one on Tietotie and another on the western side of Otaniementie, across from the Undergraduate Centre. The Metro station is expected to serve approximately 20 000 people each day.

An Aalto University reflector was given to the first 100 passengers at the station.

‘Our campus is developing rapidly. Aalto University is moving all its key operations to Otaniemi, and as a result we’re building new facilities and services right next to the Metro station. At the same time, many of the existing buildings will be renovated. The Otaniemi campus is becoming an internationally significant centre of expertise that attracts a wide range of partners. The Metro makes it easier to come here to study, work or spend free time,’ says Ilkka Niemelä, President of Aalto University.

The station blends in with the environment

Each new station on the West Metro has its own identity, and they were designed by different architects. Aalto University’s Metro station was designed by the ALA Architects and Esa Piironen Architects. The station blends in well with the red brick environment, with surfaces that are matte, haptic and aged. The lowered ceiling is Cor-ten steel and flows from the platform level all the way to the ticket hall to create a beautiful atmosphere. The materials used in the above-ground parts of the station include aged dark copper sheet cladding and grey granite.
 

The Polytech Choir Quartet sang a serenade to a group of young ladies stepping out of the metro.

The Metro runs often

The Metro operates on two lines. One of the lines runs on the Matinkylä-Vuosaari route and the other on the Tapiola-Mellunmäki route. In the east, every other train goes to Mellunmäki and every other to Vuosaari. In Espoo, every other train turns around at Tapiola and every other will continue to Matinkylä. The Metro runs every 2.5 minutes at Aalto University station during rush hour and every 4-5 minutes at other times.

There are no immediate changes to the bus lines running to Otaniemi, and they will continue to operate as at present until the end of this year. After that, the buses running along Länsiväylä will begin to provide feeder services to Metro stations.

Photos: Jaakko Kahilaniemi / Aalto University

For further information about metro services: