Copenhagen Metro

Copenhagen Metro

Simply known as The Metro, Copenhagen Metro is a rail rapid transit network that serves Denmark's Frederiksberg and Copenhagen. The network is owned by Ørestad Development Corporation, and controlled by the Metro Service A/S, which consecutively is owned by Serco Group. The rail system started its operations in 2002, and presently has two lines in seventeen stations. The construction of the Copenhagen Metro has encouraged other cities of Europe to build or develop their metro systems, including the cities of Rome, Milan, and Brescia in Italy, and in Greece, the city of Thessaloniki, who have contracted the Metro's builder Ansaldo.

The construction of the Metro was largely due to a report in 1992 about Copenhagen's transport future. Huge parts of Amager on central Copenhagen's south were still idle or agriculturally used, so the city then made a decision to develop them as a division of Ørestad Project in combination with the building of Øresund Bridge. Because the vicinities were not provided by S-Train network, it was settled on that a competent transport system should be constructed in advance of or in concurrence to the new construction to keep away from disorganization that frequently hampers cities organically developing.

The city had to choose between three grid suggestions, light-rail system, tram system, or driver-less metro. The metro was chosen because it was seen to have the maximum capacity, security, and speed without obstructing the environment of the city. It was a very expensive solution, but it was among the reasons why the initial budget was surpassed.

The Copenhagen Metro today, includes two lines which track the similar stretch in the center of the city, and then divides into an eastern and western path on Amager. These two lines give a sum of seventeen stations, with a total span of 16.8 kilometers. The Copenhagen Metro runs below grounds and over grounds with its standard gauge tracks, operating 750 V DC offered by a third rail. The majority of the Amager tracks and several tracks going to Vanløse run over ground, although the Copenhagen Metro runs underground within city center.

Metro trains are driver-less and operate completely through a computer system called Automatic Train Control (ATC). Frequently however, there are Metro Stewards aboard the train to handle any emergencies. The tickets used by the Metro utilize similar zone systems as those with other Copenhagen public transportation systems, using the same cards and tickets as well.

Copenhagen Metro is continuously improving its metro system and future plans for a much more advance and improved metro are being developed for a faster, safer, and better destination service to its passengers.