Light relief The first stage of the Aarhus Light Rail system will be inaugurated later in 2017, coinciding with the city’s tenure as the European Capital of Culture. The Light Rail will improve both mobility and the environment, while also working as a driver for urban development, as Jens Velling reports his has been a significant year part of the light rail system. The sec- passengers will be serviced by a for Aarhus, the second largest ond part will be a new city line reach- slightly smaller tram. Tcity in Denmark. In 2017 the ing from the central station in Aarhus, Common to both types of trams is city has been the European Capital to two new districts at LisbJerg and the simple, uncluttered Scandinavian of Culture, and at the same time, the Nye, located north of the city centre. design. Great effort has been put in to first light rail system in Denmark is Aarhus Light Rail has ordered two providing availability for wheelchair set to be inaugurated. different types of trains: on the route users and other passengers with dis- The first stage of Aarhus Light to Grenaa, the speed will reach 100 abilities. The selection of materials Rail consists of two parts. The exist- km/h. Hence, it will be operated by a and colours are coordinated to give ing railway from Grenaa to Odder via tram-train offering high comfort for Aarhus Light Rail a distinct, yet ele- Aarhus will be upgraded and made longer Journeys. In the city of Aarhus, gant identity. 14 thinkingcities.com Aarhus.indd 14 18/05/2017 15:15 AN ALTERNATIVE and cars. Furthermore, pollution from TO CAR QUEUES car exhaust and harmful particles will Much thought has CItyview been given to the One of the lines of Aarhus also be substantially reduced. interior design of Light Rail will run on The electricity for the trams is the light rail sytem RandersveJ, which today made from renewable energy such is one of the busiest as wind power and biomass. Thus, roads in the city. In the Aarhus Light Rail will make a sub- northern part of Aarhus, stantial contribution to the fulfillment the line will make a turn of Aarhus’s ambition to become CO2- off Randersvej and con- neutral by 2030. tinue towards the new University Hospital. On A TOOL FOR URBAN AARHUS the way, the light rail will DEVELOPMENT pass several companies, Aarhus Light Rail is not merely a residential areas and transport system, but indeed a tool for educational institutions. urban development. Experience from As such, the Aarhus Light Rail other countries shows great interest will become an alternative for thou- in investing in real estate along the sands of current users of public corridors of a light rail system. When transportation. Furthermore, it has the rails are first laid down, you will the potential to attract many motor- be guaranteed efficient public trans- ists, who will be able to move quickly portation for years to come. Such a and smoothly from the city centre to long-term outlook attracts inves- the north of Aarhus. tors and developers alike, increasing During rush hours, the light rail will investments in both businesses and have a frequency of eight departures real estate. per hour, making it unnecessary to The municipality of Aarhus also look at timetables – passengers will focuses on urban development along simply arrive at the station and take the light rail system. Two new neigh- the first available tram. bourhoods are planned as clusters around the first stage of the light ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES rail, respectively in LisbJerg and Nye, All 26 trams and tram-trains are north of central Aarhus. The total electrically powered, which will ben- population of the two new areas is efit the environment in many ways. estimated to reach 40,000. An electric tram is very quiet com- The Light Rail will also boost the Aarhus’s new light rail system pared to buses, diesel-powered trains development of the existing parts of is set to go live later in 2017 the city that it will run through. The outcome, when the modern, quiet and pollution free light rail replaces the more noisy and polluting buses, is a completely different and improved urban environment. FYI Jens Velling is Chief Communications Officer at Aarhus Letbane [email protected] aarhusletbane.dk 15 Aarhus.indd 15 18/05/2017 15:15.