Tampere in Finland orders new vehicles for its emerging tram network

The vehicles (of which 19 have been ordered so far) are to operate on a newly built track in the city of Tampere.

The contract, which is worth €104 million and includes full service, is for the bi-directional three-part ForCity Smart Artic trams, which has a normal gauge of 1435mm, is fully low-floor and can accommodate 264 passengers.

The vehicles also offer barrier-free access for wheelchair users and prams, as well as trouble-free operation in challenging climatic conditions due to the all-wheel drive and robust chassis and axle design.

“For Tampere we chose a modern, proven technical solution suitable for difficult arctic conditions, combined with attractive commercial conditions,” said Lasse Orre, CEO of Transtech Oy. “The vehicle for Tampere is based on proven solutions that we have acquired during the development of vehicles for Helsinki. Last year and this year we have obtained contracts worth almost 400 million EUR in Finland alone, allowing us to stabilise the company and concentrate on export orders.”

There are currently 33 ForCity Smart Artic trams operating in Helsinki, Finland, out of the total of 89 vehicles ordered. The first two trams were delivered to the transport company in Helsinki back in 2013, and they were subjected to demanding tests in operation.

“The third largest Finnish city, Tampere, is ordering nineteen ForCity Smart Artic trams for the first stage of the newly emerging tram network,” added Zdeněk Majer, Vice President of Škoda Transportation and Chairman of Transtech. “Additionally the agreement includes a three stage delivery option in total up to 46 vehicles more. The new order confirms that we are doing well in Finland.”

The new vehicles will be taken in to operation in 2021.