2016
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2018
2019
2020
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November 2016

Tampere makes a historical decision on 7 November 2016 – the city will build a tramway

Tampere took the first step towards a new era when Tampere City Council voted to approve construction of a tramway. City Council approved construction of the tramway by a vote of 41–25 (1 abstention). Construction of the first stage of the tramway is set to begin in the spring of 2017.

March 2017

Construction begins

Construction is beginning on the first part of the Tampere tramway, which is Pyynikintori-University Hospital-Hervanta. The work will be carried out in separate stages at five different sites in the city: City Centre, Kaleva, Hervannan valtaväylä, Hervanta and at the depot worksite in Hervanta.

May 2017

The world’s first Tampere tramway tracks are laid in Hervanta

The tramway tracks are being transported to Hervanta from Antwerp. The first meters of track were laid on concrete slabs at the intersection of Insinöörinkatu and Kanjoninkatu.

 

Photo: Susanna Lyly/ Tramway Alliance

June 2017

Tram Day is celebrated in Tampere’s central marketplace

Tram Day is being celebrated in Tampere’s central marketplace on June 6, with the chance to see a real tram car that will stop in Tampere on its way from Kajaani to Helsinki. A forum for residents of Tampere will provide information on the tramway project and answer customer questions. The first 1,000 visitors will receive a free tram ticket.

July 2017

The first tracks are laid on Hämeenkatu

The western end of Hämeenkatu will get its first tramway tracks in mid-July.

September 2017

Construction starts on the tram depot

Construction of the tram depot is starting at the end of Hermiankatu in Hervanta, near the Rusko industrial area. Foundation work is expected to last approximately one year, with construction of the depot building beginning in spring 2019.

September 2017

The story of an old wallet

A wallet that had been lost for 30 years was found at a tramway construction site. The owner of the wallet was found in just a few hours via social media.

October 2017

The grand opening of Laulusilta bridge

The pedestrian and cycling bridge across Hervannan valtaväylä reopened to traffic. The bridge is now high enough to allow trams to pass under it. The festive opening ceremony filled the bridge with people and balloons.

December 2017

City Council approves the second stage of the tramway project

Tampere City Council made a decision to begin the second stage in the development and design of the Tampere tramway. The final decision on construction will be made at a later date.

February 2018

Construction begins on the Hämeensilta bridge

Renovation of the Hämeensilta bridge will take place in two stages. The first stage will begin in February with demolition of the south end of the bridge. The legendary bridge statues will be moved to a safe location during the renovation, leaving a temporary gap in this historic location.

Watch a video of the construction work on Hämeensilta bridge (Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere)

March 2018

Review of tram design begins – What in the world is a mock-up?

Tampere’s own tram design project has begun, and the first mock-up – a full-scale tram model made from plywood and board – will be unveiled to test groups from Tampere in Oulu. Tram car design work will continue based on feedback from the review.

April 2018

Evaluation of colour options for the Tampere tram

The residents of Tampere will have the chance to evaluate different tram colour options. The goal now is to find the tram colour that best matches Tampere’s image!

May 2018

The results of the tram colour evaluation are published

The results of the tram colour evaluation performed in April will be made public. The results will help the design agency responsible for the final tram design and colour to continue its work.

August 2018

Construction of the depot begins

Construction of the depot buildings in Hervanta will begin after the foundation work has been completed.

September 2018

Tampere Tramway is part of Tampere Day celebrations

On Tampere Day, the Tramway Alliance will provide the opportunity to try out the tracks for the first time. Take a handcar ride to Insinöörinkatu (between Kanjoninkatu and Orivedenkatu)! The Tramway Bus will also be parked nearby to provide information about construction of the tramway.

Photo: Pasi Tiitola/ Tramway Alliance

October 2018

Tampere residents chose a red tram car

The exterior shape of the tram car was revealed. The starting point when designing tram cars was to find a solution that clearly says “Tampere” and suits the city’s needs. Tampere’s tram car looks smooth, streamlined and functional. In terms of exterior shape, key elements include the shape of the front end, bright passenger compartments, the rhythm of window lines and doors as well as the use of LED lights.

In a public vote on tram car colour held in conjunction with the Tampere Day event weekend, the red option received 13,867 votes, which was 59% of all votes. The other colour option was light blue, which received 9,711 votes. This result means that the Tampere cityscape will have a red tramway starting in 2021.

December 2018

Manufacturing of the first tram car begins

Manufacturing of the first Tampere tram cars began at the Škoda Transtech factory in Kajaani.

January 2019

The stops in the first stage of the tramway get their names

On 24 January 2019, the City of Tampere’s Street Name Committee decided on the names of the first tramway stops. A public survey concerning the names was already performed in 2014. Most of the stop names were winning proposals from that survey. The committee will also make some changes to the proposal.

Find out more about the names (in Finnish) here >

February 2019

Tampere Tramway’s Mock-up Exhibition at Tampere Hall

Reviews held in April 2018 provided the first glimpse of the tram interior. In February 2019, a full-scale mock-up – which is a detailed replication of the tram car – will be presented to city residents at an exhibition held in Tampere Hall. The event will give people the chance to experience the interior of the tram car and its cab.

February 2019

Tampere Tramway's Temporary art idea search begins

Tampere Tramway’s Temporary art idea search is looking for crazy, creative and visually appealing ideas to brighten up the look of Tampere city centre during the construction phase. The idea search is open from 1 February to 31 May 2019.

More information about the idea search is available at: http://www.tampereenratikka.fi/ratikantaide (in Finnish)

March 2019

The fabric designer for Tampere Tramway was selected

Designer (UAS) Laura Gröndahl has been selected to design fabrics for Tampere Tramway.

The search for Tampere Tramway’s fabric designer began with an open portfolio application in autumn 2018. Based on that process, the 8-member project jury selected three designers who advanced to the next phase: Professor Emerita Helena Hyvönen, Designer (UAS) Laura Gröndahl and Artist Pasi Niininen.

Under the guidance of the jury, the designers began working on different fabrics for the tramway in mid-October. Eventually they each chose two fabric designs for the designer voting process, which was open to the public from 21–26 February 2019.

The designer was chosen on the basis of jury votes and public votes submitted online and during Tampere Tramway’s Mock-up Exhibition.

April 2019

Public transportation system in the Tampere region gets a new Nysse brand

In many ways, the public transportation system in the Tampere region will be entering a new phase when the tram becomes part of it. The renewed Nysse brand will also be gradually introduced during the spring.

nysse logo
April 2019

A decision on Tampere Region Public Transport’s Linjasto 2021 routes has been made

The Linjasto 2021 project integrates tram and bus traffic into a seamless and cost-effective package. The City of Tampere’s Committee for Regional Public Transport made a decision on the routes on 11 April 2019.

Read more about this topic > (in Finnish)

April 2019

An operator has been selected for Tampere Tramway

VR-Yhtymä was selected as the transit operator for Tampere Tramway in April 2019. Tramway traffic will begin with technical trial traffic during the period between April 2020 and March 2021 and continue with commercial trial traffic between April 2021 and August 2021. According to plans, commercial traffic will begin on 9 August 2021.

The tasks of Tampere Tramway’s transit operator will be implemented as a service alliance. The City of Tampere is the service client. Tampere Tramway Ltd will serve as the service integrator and client representative in the direction of the transit operator.

May 2019

Mock-up Exhibition opens at Rollikkahalli

The full-scale model of a Tampere tram car, also known as the “Mock-up”, will be on display to the public at Rollikkahalli in the Pyynikki district of Tampere starting on 8 May 2019. Tampere Tramway’s Mock-up Exhibition will be open from 1 pm to 7 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays every week until the end of the year. Larger groups can also make advance bookings to visit the exhibition on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Read more > (in Finnish)

Maketti-näyttely rollikkahallilla
June 2019

Construction work completed on the Tuulensuu block

In June 2019, Tuulensuu will become the first tramway block to be completed on Hämeenkatu.

August 2019

Tuulensuu Block Party

Tampere is building a tramway, and Hämeenkatu will undergo a complete makeover at the same time. The Tramway Alliance is rebuilding the sidewalks, underground municipal engineering and street lighting in conjunction with the tramway work. Tuulensuu – the first tramway block on our main street – was completed in June. A celebration to mark the completed section of street will be held in the Tuulensuu area from noon to 4 pm on Saturday 24 August. The family-oriented event is free of charge.

Read more > (in Finnish)

September 2019

Construction work completed in front of Tampere University Hospital

Tramway construction work in front of the entrance to Tampere University Hospital has been completed.

September 2019

Tampere Tramway is part of Tampere Day celebrations

Tampere is turning 240 and celebrating its anniversary during Tampere Day events, and Tampere Tramway will be part of those celebrations. Four sightseeing tours with a tramway theme will be arranged on the weekend of 28–29 September 2019. Participants will have the chance to hear more details about where Tampere Tramway is right now and what lies ahead. The sightseeing tours will also include a visit to Tampere Tramway’s Mock-up Exhibition at Rollikkahalli. The sightseeing tours are free of charge, but participants need to register in advance. Tampere Tramway will also be presented at the Tampere University Hospital’s Open House event from 10 am to 1 pm on 28 September.

Tramway sightseeing tours on Tampere Day weekend

Sat–Sun 28–29 September 2019
1–2:30 pm Sightseeing tour: Here comes the tram!
3–4:30 pm Sightseeing tour: Here comes the tram!

Tampere Tramway at Tampere University Hospital’s new Open House event

Sat 28 September 10 am–1 pm

September 2019

The first tram traffic lights come to Hervanta

The first tram lights will be erected in the Hervanta district of Tampere in autumn 2019.

Starting at the northern end of Insinöörinkatu, the tram traffic lights will be installed at the first three intersections, which means Kanjoninkatu, Orivedenkatu and Opiskelijankatu.

October 2019

The new Hämeenkatu: Railway Station Block Party

The Tuulensuu Block Party was held in August 2019 to celebrate completion of the first tramway block on the new Hämeenkatu. At the eastern end of Hämeenkatu, work will be completed on the two blocks between Rautatiekatu and Aleksanterikatu during October. A Railway Station Block Party will be held between noon and 4 pm on 27 October to celebrate this milestone.

Read more > (in Finnish)

November 2019

Voltage is connected to the Tampere Tramway

An important step in commissioning the tramline system involves connecting the voltage to the contact line. From 18 November onwards, consent must be obtained in order to work in the vicinity of the tramway. Tampere Tramway Ltd is also organising Tramway Safety Training sessions for people who will be working close to the tramway.

Read more > (in Finnish)

November 2019

Decision to build a tramway on Hatanpään valtatie

Construction work on the long street sections in Kaleva – along Sammonkatu and Teiskontie – has been completed. Half of the work was completed ahead of schedule.

November 2019

On 25 November 2019, the Tampere City Council decided to extend the tramway along Hatanpään valtatie on the section between Hämeenkatu and Tampereen valtatie. The line will end at Sorinaukio. The tram line from Tampere University Hospital will continue along Hatanpään valtatie. City Council approved the extension by a vote of 50-16 (1 abstention).

Read more on the City of Tampere website > (in Finnish)

November 2019

Recruiting of traffic controllers begins

VR will serve as the tram operator. The tram operator is responsible for recruiting and training drivers and traffic controllers. VR will start recruiting tram traffic controllers at the beginning of next year, and recruiting of drivers will take place during the following summer. The open positions will be announced at https://www.vrgroup.fi/fi/vrgroup/rekry/.

January 2020

Construction work begins on Hatanpään valtatie

The Tramway Alliance will begin modification of traffic arrangements related to construction of the Hatanpään valtatie section of the tramway on 7 January.

December 2019

Recruiting of tram traffic controllers ends

VR began recruiting for Tampere Tramway by looking for the first traffic controllers. Ten traffic controllers will be hired. A total of 626 applications were received by the deadline (10 January 2020).

January 2020

The Mock-up becomes a training simulator

Tampere Tramway’s full-scale model, known as the Mock-up, will be moved from Rollikkahalli to its permanent home at the depot in January. Once at the depot, the Mock-up will be modified to serve as a training simulator for Tramway traffic controllers and drivers. The traffic controllers will be trained first.

Tampereen Ratikan ohjaamo maketissa
March 2020

The Tampere Tramway test car arrives

A tram car from Germany intended for testing will arrive in Tampere at the end of February. Manufactured in 1981, the car was previously used in Hannover tram traffic. In Tampere, the tram car will be used to test the tram line and related systems before the arrival of Tampere’s first proper tram car – the so-called prototype – in May.

March 2020

Test runs begin on Tampere Tramway

Testing of Tampere’s tramway track and tramline system with the test car will begin at the tram car depot on 16 March. The first test runs outside the depot will be performed on Hermiankatu on Wednesday 18 March.

Tampereen Ratikan testivaunu
March 2020

Hämeensilta bridge prepares for track laying

The second stage of the Hämeensilta bridge renovation is complete and track laying can begin on the bridge.

May 2020

The very first Tampere tram car arrived in Tampere

The first Tampere tram car will arrive at the tram depot in Hervanta on 23 May.

June 2020

Recruiting of tram drivers begins

VR will serve as the tram operator. The tram operator is responsible for recruiting and training drivers and traffic controllers. VR will start recruiting approximately 65 drivers on 2 June 2020.

An info event concerning the recruitment process will be held at 4 pm on 2 June 2020. This event will be implemented as an online broadcast due to the coronavirus situation. The event can be watched live on VR’s recruiting website via a link that will be updated later, and a recording of the event will also be made available after the event.

The open positions will be announced at https://www.vrgroup.fi/fi/vrgroup/rekry/.

July 2020

Spot the very first Tampere tram car in traffic

In early July 2020, people will be able to see the very first Tampere tram car on the track – moving back and forth, braking and accelerating. These are so-called type tests of the car, which measure performance values: braking distance, properties when driving at full speed, exterior noise levels, the air conditioning system, etc.

The first tests will be performed between Hervanta and Turtola.

September 2020

The second tram car arrives in Tampere

The second tram car arrives in Tampere in September 2020. The second car will be ready visually and, for example, it will include the fabric selected for the tram seats.

After type tests of the car have been completed, it will receive type-approval. The next cars will be series production cars, which will allow testing to proceed much faster.

Read more >

Watch a video presentation of Tampere Tramway

September 2020

Tampere Tramway test runs reach Kaleva and Tammela

Test runs on Tampere Tramway will continue in a new area in September 2020. The very first Tampere tram car will be moving on the section between Turtola and the Itsenäisyydenkatu railway station tunnel, and on Teiskontie between Sammonaukio and Kaupinkatu.

Read more >

August 2020

The second Tramway Art landmark is completed on the Turtola support wall

The second Tramway Art landmark will be completed on the Turtola support wall along Hervannan valtaväylä. Created by Tampere artist Jan Anderzén (born in 1978), “Come back as a flower” was implemented with the glass mosaic technique. The work of art was inspired by the links between digital image culture and traditional handicrafts as well as recent research on flowers.

October 2020

All track has been laid on Tampere Tramway

All Tampere Tramway rails from Pyynikintori to Hervanta and from Tampere University Hospital to Hatanpään valtatie have now been installed. The last section was laid as a curved track at the intersection of Hatanpään valtatie and Hämeenkatu.

Photo: Tramway Alliance

Read more > (in Finnish)

October 2020

The third tram car arrives in Tampere

Tampere’s third tram car will arrive on 17 October. This is the second Tampere tram car to be manufactured as series production.

October 2020

Tampere City Council decides on construction of section 2 of the tramway from Pyynikintori to Lentävänniemi

On 19 October 2020, Tampere City Council made a decision to build section 2 of the tramway from Pyynikintori to Lentävänniemi. The City Council also decided on guidelines for the regional tramway during the same meeting.

Section 2A of the western branch of the tramway will run from Pyynikintori along Pirkankatu and Sepänkatu across the main railway track and then along Paasikivenkatu to the renewed Santalahti residential area. In the following 2B implementation section, the tramway will cross Paasikiventie on a bridge and run via Näsisaari to Hiedanranta before continuing through the Niemenranta area to Lentävänniemi.

The investment decision was approved by a vote of 56–11.

Illustration: City of Tampere and Sitowise Oy

Read more >

November 2020

Construction begins on the western section of Tampere Tramway

The Tramway Alliance will begin building section 2 Tampere Tramway (Pyynikintori-Santalahti-Lentävänniemi) in November. This section of the tramway will run from Pyynikintori to Lentävänniemi via the districts of Santalahti, Hiedanranta and Niemenranta.

Read more >

November 2020

A new era in Tampere Tramway test runs – recruiting of test passengers begins and VR takes over as tramway operator

Tampere will take another important step in the tramway era when responsibility for Tampere Tramway operations is transferred to VR.

At the same time, test runs will move to a phase in which the first test passengers step on board to provide feedback on the tramway system and the planned traffic as a whole.

Tampere Public Transport (Nysse) will start recruiting test passengers on its website on 2 November. Apply to be a test passenger from 2 November–6 December 2020 at nysse.fi/nysselab

The first test passengers will travel on the tram in early 2021.

Read more >

Tampereen Ratikka pääkirjaston Metson edustalla
November 2020

Tampere Tramway’s test runs expand to Pyynikintori

Starting on 15 November, you’ll be able to spot the tram on Hämeenkatu and all the way to Pyynikintori.

November 2020

The fourth tram car arrives in Tampere

Tampere will receive its fourth tram car at the end of November

December 2020

The fifth tram car arrives in Tampere

Tampere will receive its fifth tram car in mid-December.

January 2021

The sixth tram car arrives in Tampere

Tampere will receive its sixth tram car in January.

January 2021

Pyynikintori Art Stop is completed

A new art stop will be completed at Pyynikintori by the end of January as part of the Tampere Tramway Art Programme. Designed by artist Jaakko Himanen (born in 1975), Tuulensilmät (Eyes of the Wind) is built from colourful partition walls embedded with recycled car windows of different shapes and strings of LED lights. The Majaoja Foundation from Tampere has supported implementation of the Pyynikintori art stop.

Read more > (in Finnish)

Illustration:
Tampereen Tramway Ltd/ JCDecaux Finland Oy, Idis Design Oy and Skyfox
Tram stop concept:
Jaakko Himanen and Fantasia Works

Tampereen Ratikan taidepysäkki Pyynikintorilla
February 2021

The seventh and eighth tram cars arrive in Tampere

Tampere will gets its seventh and eighth tram cars in February.

March 2021

Tampere Tramway’s test runs expand to the Kauppi campus area

In March, you’ll be able to spot the tram at the Kauppi campus.

Illustration: Tampereen Raitiotie Oy/ Idis Design and Skyfox

March 2021

Tampere Tramway’s test runs expand to Hervantajärvi

In March, you’ll be able to spot the tram in the Hervantajärvi area.

May 2021

Open trial traffic begins on Tampere Tramway

Open trial traffic will be begin on the tramway in May 2021. It will already be possible to travel on the tram at that time, but service frequency will vary and there may also be some days with no service. Tram timetables and other functions will be tested during trial traffic. Bus routes and service frequency will remain normal during the trial traffic phase.

July 2021

Tampere Tramway’s test runs expand to the bus station area

In July-August, you’ll be able to spot the tram in trial traffic all the way to the bus station.

August 2021

Traffic on Tampere Tramway begins!

Traffic on Tampere Tramway begins on August 9th 2021. Hop on the tram!

Tampereen Ratikka Hämeenkadulla
December 2021

Tampere Art Tram starts operating

Tampere Art Tram starts operating on December 2021. You can see five art works that change every six months on the sides of the Art Tram. Citizens chose the art works by voting.

1. Mari Hyde, The Glow

2. Milla Vuorela, 151 matkustajaa
3. Juliana Hyrri, Paratiisiratikka
4. Teemu Raudaskoski, Värivirta
5. Tomi Ivalo, Matkalla järvien välissä
July 2023

Test runs from Pyynikintori to Santalahti start

From July to August 2023, you’ll be able to spot the tram on test runs between Pyynikintori and Santalahti.

Tampereen Ratikka koeajoissa 3.7.2023 Santalahden pysäkillä
August 2023

Traffic to Santalahti begins

Traffic from Pyynikintori to Santalahti begins on August 7th 2023.

Read more >

Santalahden liikennöinnin aloitus 7.8.2023
January 2025

Traffic to Lentävänniemi begins

Traffic from Santalahti to Lentävänniemi starts on January 7th 2025.

Illustration: City of Tampere and Sitowise Oy

Ratikka Lentävänniemen päätepysäkillä Pyhällönpuistossa