City Line

Using public transportation increases opportunities for physical activity and outdoor recreation^. Increased physical activity, such as walking or cycling to a stop, makes it more likely that people will meet daily physical activity guidelines. Research shows that increased use of public transportation has positive effects on physical health, both in terms of increasing physical activity and reducing the incidence of common diseases such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, and premature deaths.

Research shows that active travel and improved public transportation have positive effects on mental health, especially stress^. Studies also indicate that increased use of public transportation can reduce symptoms of various mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression. It is not only the use of public transportation that has a positive impact on mental health, but also other environmental factors.

By carefully designing beautiful environments, slowing down traffic, and improving access for pedestrians, authorities can promote increased physical activity, create attractive and positive environments, and increase social capital. All these factors have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, reducing stress. The connection between quality of life and commuting has also been studied, with long travel times in traffic having negative effects on mental health, potentially increasing stress, especially for those traveling by car.

Improved facilities and increased use of public transportation among children can lead to less shuttling to and from homes to friends' houses and leisure activities and sports. Physical activity related to using public transportation increases children's physical activity and positive effects on their health just like organized sports. Physical activity and increased outdoor recreation also have positive effects on mental health. It can be expected that the freedom of young people will increase with longer service hours and increased frequency of vehicles.

Improved walking and cycling paths, increased vegetation, and recreational areas are planned along the City Line. Traffic near the City Line is expected to be slow urban traffic with safe pedestrian crossings. Lighting and service levels along pedestrian routes will be improved, including winter maintenance. Distinctive bike paths and sidewalks along the City Line will make it easier for residents and city visitors to find their way to City Line stations.

We will review the neighborhood path systems during the construction of the City Line. It is essential that the path system supports and ensures easy walking routes from neighborhoods to City Line stations. Good walking and cycling paths will also run along the City Line. City Line stations will include spaces for various types of bicycles and solutions that simplify the last leg of the journey home or to work.

We are planning to increase service levels and improve conditions around City Line stations to accommodate the increased number of people in the area, thus creating a solid basis for such operations. Targeted densification areas along the City Line corridors support increased human activity, small cores, and services for residents. This shortens service distances within neighborhoods. The densification areas also promote increased basic services.

Along the City Line route, increased vegetation, street trees, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are planned. The goal of SuDS is to allow surface water to infiltrate the soil in the most natural way possible, such as through vegetation beds. This better utilizes water resources and makes the city more adaptable to climate change. In addition, these solutions also affect the conditions for growing street trees, and both vegetation and trees help to capture carbon.