The first extended Tampere Tram is the longest tram in the Nordic countries
The first of its kind extended Tampere Tram is ready for testing. An extension module has made Valma, also known as tram TRO02, 47 metres long. This makes it the longest tram in the Nordic countries. Valma can be spotted undergoing type tests on the tramway network from 21 June onwards.
This summer, the first of its kind extended Tampere Tram can be seen operating in the city. The extended Valma tram is now 47 metres long, and its passenger capacity has increased over 30 per cent, from 264 to 345 passengers. It is currently the longest tram in the Nordic countries.
Škoda Transtech Ltd., the manufacturer of the Tampere Tram vehicles, produced a 10-metre extension module, which was attached to Valma at the Otanmäki works. The tram was then transported back to the Tampere Tram Depot in two parts. The parts have now been joined back together, and the tram is ready for type testing at the depot and on the tramway network. Valma entered the tramway network for the first time on Sunday, 21 June.
– The extension project has proceeded smoothly and on schedule. We are very pleased that we now have the first extended tram in Tampere and are ready to start the testing phase. Until now, we have responded to the growing demand for capacity by commissioning more trams and adjusting service frequency. Longer trams will increase the permanent passenger capacity of the service, says Pekka Sirviö, CEO of Tampere Tramway Ltd.
The functionality of the extended tram vehicle and its suitability for the Tampere Tramway system will be verified through type testing.It is estimated that the most intensive testing phase will be completed by the end of August. The testing phase includes training drivers to operate the extended tram, load testing the electrical network, checking the operating timetables of the tram, performing functionality tests and towing tests, as well as practicing lifting the tram with the Rescue Department.
– During the testing phase, we cannot carry passengers on the tram for safety reasons. The tram car will be loaded with sandbags to test the functionality of the vehicle under a full load. It is estimated that Valma will be ready for passenger service by the end of the year, says Mika Luutikivi, Head of Rolling Stock at Tampere Tramway Ltd.
When the type testing has been completed and the prototype of the extension module has been verified as fully suitable for service in Tampere, Škoda Transtech Ltd. will manufacture 11 additional extension modules to be attached to the current fleet at the Tramway Depot. Deliveries of the additional extension modules will start at the end of this year and continue until summer 2028.
In addition, Tampere Tramway Ltd. has commissioned the manufacture of seven new long tram vehicles. The first new long tram is scheduled to be completed in early summer 2027, and the remaining longer trams will be delivered by the end of 2027.
The aim is to have 19 extended ForCity Smart Artic X45 trams and 16 shorter ForCity Smart Artic X34 trams in Tampere by August 2028, when service on the first section of the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tramway is set to start. The total cost of the development and manufacture of the tram cars and extension modules to be delivered is approximately 63 million euros. The procurement of new tram vehicles and additional modules is included as an option in the Tampere Tram rolling stock contract.
Technical information (in comparison with the shorter tram):
- Vehicle model: ForCity Smart Artic X45 (ForCity Smart Artic X34)
- The tram is 47.2 metres long (37.3 m) and 2.65 metres wide
- The available floor space of the tram is 65.3 m² (50.1 m²)
- The tram consists of four modules and is bi-directional (three modules)
- The tare weight of the tram (weight when empty) is 73.5 tonnes (56.8 tonnes)
- Maximum capacity is 345 passengers (264)
- There are 136 seats in total (104), of which 80 are fixed (64) and 56 are foldable (40)
- Number of spaces for prams: 14 (12), or large wheelchairs/walkers: 8 (6), or bicycles: 8 (6). Number of marked places for passengers with guide dogs: 4 (4)
- Number of entrances (front doors / middle doors): 4/8 (4/6)
- Bogies: 5 (4)
- Motor axles: 10 (8), all axles are powered
- Motor power: 700 (10×70) kW (560 (8×70) kW)
- More technical details can be found here: Technical Information | Tampere Tramway
- Additional information: In August, the Tram will have been operating in Tampere for 5 years. To celebrate the anniversary year, the extended Valma tram is decorated with a special exterior wrap. The new 10-metre extension module is wrapped in blue. The wraps will remain on the tram for the remainder of the testing phase. They will be removed once passenger service begins.
More information:
Mika Luutikivi
Head of Rolling Stock
Tampereen Tramway Ltd.
firstname.lastname@tampereenraitiotie.fi
Pekka Sirviö
CEO
Tampereen Tramway Ltd.
firstname.lastname@tampereenraitiotie.fi