More comfort and increased capacity
According to the professor, the light rail offers a smoother and more comfortable ride with fewer vibrations than on a bus. The light rail system can also move far more people than a single car lane, so if many people choose the light rail, it can help reduce congestion on the roads.
In just under seven months, the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail has reached an important milestone: one million trips have been made on the line between Ishøj and Rødovre since it opened on 26 October 2025.
“Many people have already embraced the light rail. On the southern section, ridership has nearly doubled compared to the bus routes that used to operate here,” states Otto Anker Nielsen.
Starting 22 August, the light rail will connect eight municipalities. In addition to DTU, it also passes by two hospitals, several educational institutions, and large companies along Ring 3. That is why the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail expects up to 12,000 daily passengers as early as this year.
Potential for new urban development
Otto Anker Nielsen believes that the light rail system can influence where people choose to live and work, and where businesses choose to set up shop.
Experience from the southern section of the light rail line shows that it has already helped create new residential and urban areas. Otto Anker Nielsen points to Herstedhusene, where a former industrial area has been transformed into a new neighbourhood, and Vallensbæk, where a modern, green urban space has been created between the railroad tracks and City Hall.
“Because the route is fixed, residents, businesses, and institutions can make long-term plans, making the areas along the line more attractive to both residents and businesses.”
Otto Anker Nielsen sees potential for development around DTU and Lundtofte, including in the area between DTU and the Helsingør Motorway.
Also, according to the professor, the light rail can link DTU and downtown Lyngby more closely, making it easier for students and staff to use the city’s shops, cafés, restaurants, and cultural and recreational offerings. Lyngby’s residents and visitors will in return have better access to DTU and the University’s activities.
A greener and more cohesive campus
The light rail plays a central role in the strategic campus plan for DTU Lyngby Campus, where the aim is to encourage more people to travel by bus, train, or bicycle—while reducing the number of people who arrive by car.
“The new light rail stops will serve as main entrances to the campus. From here, it must be easy to walk or bike to buildings, squares, and other gathering places,” says Anders B. Møller, Director of Facilities at DTU.
The campus plan identifies four key initiatives designed to improve mobility: the light rail, a campus street for pedestrians and cyclists, five cross-campus paths, and a gradual shift of on-campus parking to parking garages on the campus outskirts.
“The light rail helps us create a greener and more connected campus. When more people arrive by public transport, we can prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, limit internal car traffic, and—in the long term—free up space for green outdoor areas, gathering places, and activities,” Anders B. Møller points out.
On opening day, residents from across the Greater Copenhagen area are invited to a day of celebration featuring music, activities, and attractions along the line. Travel on the light rail will be free all day.
