Kakola funicular in Turku resumes operations after service interruption

The funicular in Kakola, Turku, has resumed operations after an unusually long service interruption that began on September 20. According to the Turku Traffic Center, the issue was related to the funicular’s traction system. Parts needed for the repair—specifically the counterweight wheels and the guide wheels—had run out in Turku last spring. Since then, the city had been attempting to procure new parts from the funicular’s Italian manufacturer, Leitner Ropeways, but without success.

For unknown reasons, Leitner did not deliver the required materials, prompting Turku to source the parts directly from the subcontractor used by Leitner. Recently, operational issues with the funicular had been resolved significantly quicker than the lengthy disruption that just concluded.

In May, the five-year warranty for the funicular expired, meaning that routine maintenance and repairs for new faults are now a financial responsibility of the city. Following the expiration of the warranty, maintenance has been managed by Kone Oy. Antti Aalto, the project manager, informed Yle in May that the city had allocated funds within its budget for the operation and repair costs of the funicular.

Negotiations are ongoing between Turku and Leitner regarding warranty repairs for certain parts. The city believes that the wear-and-tear components should withstand usage far better than they currently do. In 2023, the Kakola funicular was out of service for approximately a month due to various malfunctions.