Espoo extension of Helsinki Metro could still hinge on state subsidy

National Coalition Party politicians balk at rising cost estimate of major transport project

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The extension of the Helsinki Metro west into Espoo might not be as much of a foregone conclusion as many have thought. If the state does not agree to provide 30 per cent of the funding, the City of Espoo will reconsider the project.
     "If the state does not give 30 per cent, the Metro to the west is in jeopardy", says Martti Merra, chairman of the National Coalition Party group on the Espoo City Council - the city's largest political group.
     When the Espoo City Council voted on the public transport system to be implemented in the south of Espoo, the Metro won over the bus system option by a vote of 45 to 19, with three abstentions.
     The resolution on the plan imposed 12 conditions, one of which was a that the state pay 30 per cent of the costs. If this does not happen, a new vote is likely.
     
The Ministry of Transport and Communications will make its stand known on state aid for the Metro expansion project in connection with a transport policy report to be submitted to Parliament in March. There are no promises on specific amounts of money. The cost estimate has grown from EUR 452 million to EUR 800 million, which has led to intense public debate in Espoo.
     Under the initial plan, Espoo was to pay 72 per cent of the cost left over after the state had paid its share, and Helsinki would pay 28 per cent.
     The decision to build the metro will be debated by the city councils of both Helsinki and Espoo. The debate is expected to be intense in Espoo, especially if the state subsidy falls below that which Espoo has counted on.
     
Rumbling within the National Coalition Party is a big issue, because the party holds 27 of the 67 seats in the Espoo City Council. When the vote was held on the Metro question, 12 members of the party's City Council members voted against it, including Martti Merra.
      Tommi Laakso, who originally supported the Metro says that he might change his mind. He said that the 30 per cent state subsidy was just one of a number of conditions set by the council. Espoo also wants other rail projects.
     "Now we need new calculations of cost-effectiveness, and calculations about a rapid light rail system."
     He feels that the increase in the cost estimate, and the fact that the initial estimate was based on old calculations, are a sufficient reason for re-opening the debate.
     
The Greens' Sirpa Hertell also wants serious discussion on the matter.
     Hertell says that rail transport is needed in the south of Espoo, but she is not willing to pay any price for the Metro. "There will certainly be a debate on whether or not some cheaper rail transport system might be possible."
     Two other Green Espoo City Council members, Merva Mikkola and Kirsi Aropaltio, who abstained in the Metro vote, continue to favour a high speed light rail alternative.
     Of the six Swedish People's Party members on the council, three were in favour of the Metro. "I believe that the Metro will be built. Now it is just a question of the timetable", said Christina Gestrin, chairwoman of the party's group in the Espoo City Council.
     
The board of the West Metro project has promised that a budget of EUR 800 million will be enough if the construction begins in 2010. However, it may be that construction will not begin until 2010. Each additional year adds about EUR 20 million to the cost in inflation alone.
     Merra notes that if the state sets a timetable for the beginning of construction, it will also bear responsibility for the consequences. A price ceiling shifts responsibility onto the city.
     The Centre Party and Social Democratic groups on the Espoo City Council were unanimously behind the Metro project, and are taking a calm view of the current situation. "However, we can be very disappointed in the government if it does not carry its responsibility for one of the key projects of the region", said Susanna Rahkonen (SDP).
      Pekka Vaara, who represents the Social Democrats on the West Metro board, feels that the focus should be on annual costs, not on total costs of the project. "Now the cost is between 16 and 17 million euros a year for Espoo."
     Espoo has considered financing the Metro with the help of a 30-year loan.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Solitary Espoo drivers keep Länsiväylä motorway congested (27.8.2007)
  Espoo City Council votes in favour of extension of Helsinki Metro (26.9.2006)

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