Tampere Tramway orders new tram cars for the Pirkkala-Linnainmaa tramline
The Tampere tram network is extending to Pirkkala and Linnainmaa. On December 12, 2024, Tampere Tramway Ltd. and Škoda Transtech Ltd. signed a contract concerning the production and delivery of new tram cars, to meet the needs of passengers of the expanding tramway. This contract is part of an option under the original vehicle order by Tampere Tramway Ltd.
The contract means that the Tampere Tramway car fleet will be complemented by seven long, 47-meter ForCity Smart Artic X45 model tram cars. In addition, Tampere Tramway Ltd. will order an extra 10-meter module to be attached to the current ForCity Smart Artic X34 cars. When the new order is completed, Tampere Tramway Ltd. will have 16 shorter, 37-meter cars and 19 long, 47-meter cars operating on its network.
Tampere Tramway Ltd. and Škoda Transtech have previously signed a two-part agreement for the acquisition of 11 additional modules, the production of which begun in 2025. In the first phase, a prototype of the additional module will be delivered to Tampere. The additional module will be attached to one of the current Tampere tram cars at Škoda Transtech Ltd.’s tram car factory in spring 2026, after which it will undergo type tests in Tampere during the rest of 2026. Once the full functionality of the prototype is verified, Škoda Transtech Ltd. will commence the production of 10-meter additional modules.
The first long car will be delivered to Tampere in early 2027, and the deliveries of long cars will continue up until the following summer. The production of the extension modules for the current shorter cars will begin in summer 2027, and the work will continue for about one year. The first long cars will start carrying passengers in 2027.
– In order to ensure smooth traffic flow and public transport passenger service, it makes sense to order longer vehicles, as they will increase the passenger capacity by more than 30 per cent, from 264 to 345 passengers. The increased passenger capacity will allow us to operate on the entire route with an optimal 7.5-minute headway, says Pekka Sirviö, CEO of Tampere Tramway Ltd.
The total value of the tram car order is approximately 45 million euros.
– Tampere will lead the way for cities around the world by investing in a sustainable and efficient public transport system. We are proud to deepen our cooperation with Tampere Tramway Ltd., building on the success of the current tram car fleet. We are committed to support their vision with innovative solutions that increase capacity and retain compatibility with the existing fleet. Our partnership shows how smart planning and collaboration can address the needs of growing cities, says Jan Harder, President Region West and North at Škoda Group.
Further information:
Pekka Sirviö
CEO
Tampere Tramway Ltd.
firsname.lastname@tampereenraitiotie.fi
Tel. +358 (0)40 334 5798