Peter Aarkrog
October 21, 2025
Light rail: A catalyst for city development and climate goals
When Copenhagen’s new light rail begins service in autumn 2025, it will do more than move people efficiently. It will shape how the city grows, connects, and meets its climate ambitions.
Copenhagen’s growth has long been guided by a strategic planning framework known as “The Finger Plan”. Introduced in 1947, it set out a strategy for urban development shaped like a hand: the palm represented the historic city centre, while five fingers extended outward along suburban-train (S-train) corridors. Between the fingers, green wedges were preserved as natural and recreational spaces.
This model of transit-oriented development became internationally recognised, showing how transport infrastructure can guide sustainable urban growth. Today, the new light rail line builds upon this strategy by strengthening connectivity across the fingers, linking suburban districts and creating new opportunities for development around stations.
By establishing permanent, high capacity stations rather than bus stops, the light rail acts as a catalyst for urban growth and regeneration by encouraging investment, and attracting housing, businesses, and institutions to cluster near reliable public transport. This in turn enhances liveability and ensures that city development aligns with climate goals.
Advancing climate and mobility goals
Running on overhead electric power, the light rail offers a low-carbon alternative to car travel. Unlike electric cars, it reduces congestion by moving large numbers of people on a dedicated system, independent of road traffic. By connecting with S-trains, it also strengthens the wider transport network, making public transport the most attractive choice.
The system has also been designed with climate resilience in mind. Depots have been elevated above ground level to provide protection against flooding and ensuring the light rail remains reliable for decades to come - an important step for adapting to climate change.
Dialogue with key stakeholders and communities
Delivering large scale infrastructure in dense urban areas requires trust building with surrounding communities. The construction of the light rail along Ring 3 has impacted residents, commuters, hospitals, universities, and businesses. Keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged has been essential.
Dialogue has been ongoing throughout the project, both to manage the challenges of construction and to prepare communities for the benefits that the system will bring once it opens. This two way communication has helped address concerns, align expectations, and ensure that the light rail is socially accepted as a positive change for the region.
“When we see the passengers using the system every day, that is when all the effort pays off. The whole point of this project has been to make life easier for commuters, and that is what really matters.”
Lessons for other cities
Experience from Copenhagen and multiple light rail projects across Europe reveal important best practices. Preparation is key: relocating utilities and preparing sites before contractors arrive saves cost and complexity later in the process and keeping contracts manageable reduces the risk of fragmented delivery. Perhaps most importantly, communication with key stakeholders and communities helps ensure that, while construction is disruptive, people understand the long-term benefits.
When complete, the light rail will connect communities, reduce emissions, and act as a catalyst for sustainable urban growth. As well as providing reliable transport, it will help build a more resilient and liveable city for generations to come.
Want to know more?
Peter Aarkrog
Director, Consultancy
+45 51 61 68 47
