The rectors of the universities of Helsinki and Turku say that funding for a so-called One Hour Train between the two cities should be written into the next government platform when it takes office later this year.
The administrators say that a fast public transport connection between the cities is essential for academic cooperation. The rectors of Aalto University in the Helsinki region and Åbo Akademi in Turku have also backed the plan.
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"We have to get this Turku track into shape and be able to get there in an hour," says University of Helsinki rector Jari Niemelä, noting that experts frequently travel back and forth between the cities but are hampered by slow, uncertain connections and frequent delays on the current coastal route. Niemelä, who leads a scientific community of 40,000 students and employees, says a fast, environmentally-sustainable rail link is essential to provide synergy between know-how in the urban regions and advance Finnish research.
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"Besides the universities, this is an extremely important project for these regions," says Åbo Akademi rector Mikko Hupa.
For many students, public transport is only alternative
Many students say that a quick inter-city connection would also be crucial for them, allowing them to take courses or do internships in more than one location.
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Few students have their own cars so public transport is essential, says Turku University student union leader Sini Saarinen. Both the Helsinki and Turku university student unions support construction of the One Hour Train line.
"Creating new rail lines like this is also a form of climate action that will impact all of our futures," adds Helsinki University student body chair Laura Wathén.
"The faster you can get moving, the faster and better you can get down to work. That also facilitates innovations and studying," says Saarinen.
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The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has been presenting the proposed route for the One Hour Train line at public events in recent months. It calls for a completely new rail line via the south-western towns of Vihti and Lohja. The route would also benefit Espoo, site of the main Aalto University campus, as it would add a new urban rail link between Leppävaara and Espoo centre.
General planning for the proposed line is underway but a decision on whether to go ahead with it remains up to Parliament and the next cabinet, which is expected to take office in late spring or early summer. The EU has expressed support for the plan.