Not sure where to put this but here seems most appropriate to, start with.
I am in Helsinki for a few days, the weather is gorgeous, and I have some time of my own. Usually I am here in winter, it’s cold ,frigid, dark and snowy. This Helsinki is a bit of a revelation. So a few observations.
The tram/streetcar line in front of my hotel leading into the downtown area is being upgraded ( some photos for Drums benefit) so my easy way of getting around is negated, and I have not figured out the myriad buses moving around town as yet.
The tram/streetcar network is extensive and frequent. And has transit priority at most intersection signals that I have seen. And all without causing convulsions with the car driver..and the transit speed is quicker and smoother with that priority.
The gauge is narrower than Toronto I think. Perhaps tighter turns in some areas or perhaps just historical precedence. No matter, all the rolling stock, excepting some very special cars, are articulated three car units,
Separated bike lanes are virtually non-existent as we see them in Toronto. In the outer areas, there is a proficiency of bike trails (walking also I imagine) that cross major roads and highways by bridges and tunnel, but rarely share the same street surface. In the more inner city areas, even where the streets are quite wide, bike lanes are not seen on the street, they are curb side additions, adjacent or nearly adjacent to the sidewalks, however cross walks abound and these are an automatic yield to pedestrians.
There are mobility bikes. But they do not seem as numerous then in Toronto or Montreal. And there just appeared to be less people on two wheels.
Although Helsinki is a metropolitan area approaching 1.25 million people, the track,van and car traffic is night and day compared to Toronto. Yes there are cars, and on street parking etc. etc. but the volumes are much lighter. Societal acceptance, intervention, cost I believe.
Marcus Gee wrote an opinion piece recently in the G and M, comparing Toronto to almost any European city, and not favourably, beginning with the drive in from the airport. Well after seeing the approaches into the city from the airport here, I totally concur. Night and day. Imagination, upkeep, even some landscaping vs the 427/Gardiner route - no comparison at any level and the Uber/taxi driver wheels a clean, electric vehicle, playing classical chamber music over the car stereo, while not trying to upsell me on his relations local business. Startling. And the comparisons run in Helsinkis favour in other areas of care and upkeep, whether
it be streets or green space.
And the special tram cars….only in red? Travelling pub cars, hired out for events, very snazzy inside, so touring the city while the gent behind the bar pulls a lovely
fresh local brew! How civilized is that? And sorry, only one fleeting partial photo of the pub car, so far.