M2 (Copenhagen)

M2
Geographically accurate path of M2
Overview
Type	Rapid transit
System	Copenhagen Metro
Locale	Copenhagen, Denmark
Termini	Lufthavnen Vanløse
Stations	16
Operation
Opened	19 October 2002
Owner	Metroselskabet
Operator(s)	Metro Service
Character	Elevated and Underground
Technical
Line length	14.2 km (8.8 mi)
Number of tracks	Double
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Electrification	750 V
Operating speed	80 km/h (50 mph)

M2 is a line of the Copenhagen Metro, colored yellow on the map. It runs from Vanløse to Lufthavnen through the center of Copenhagen, sharing track with the M1 from Vanløse to Christianshavn. The line was built along with M1 as part of the redevelopment of Ørestad. The principle of the line was passed in 1992, and construction commenced in 1998. The line opened in several stages between 2002 and 2007. It is owned by Metroselskabet and operated by Metro Service, and operates with a headway between four and twenty minutes.

The line is 14.2 kilometers (8.8 mi) long, and runs in a tunnel through the city center between Lindevang and Amager Strand. It connects the eastern borough of Vanløse and the municipality of Frederiksberg to the city center of Copenhagen, as well as the western parts of Amager and Copenhagen Airport. It provides transfer to the S-train at three stations and to DSB trains at two stations.

The background for the metro was the urban development of the Ørestad area of Copenhagen. The principle of building a rail transit was passed by the Parliament of Denmark on 24 June 1992, with the Ørestad Act. The responsibility for developing the area, as well as building and operating the metro, was given to the Ørestad Development Corporation, a joint venture between Copenhagen Municipality (45%) and the Ministry of Finance (55%). Initially, three modes of transport were considered: a tramway, a light rail and a rapid transit. In October 1994, the Development Corporation chose a light rapid transit system.