Skoda Transtech accuses Helsinki region of bias in tram procurement

Finnish tram manufacturer Škoda Transtech has filed an urgent request with the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) to halt the Helsinki capital region’s tram procurement, alleging discrimination and favoritism toward winning bidder Stadler Polska.

The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority selected Stadler Polska in November 2025 to supply 63 trams—30 single-direction urban trams, 33 bidirectional rapid trams, and lifecycle support—with an option for 120 additional units. Stadler’s bid was €332 million, while Škoda Transtech’s was €264 million.

Škoda Transtech claims Stadler’s final offer exceeded the approved budget by €61 million, or over 41% above the original estimate. The transport authority attributes the cost overrun to permanent price increases caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing comparable post-war pricing in the Nordics and Central Europe.

Škoda Transtech also alleges that the transport authority presented politicians with misleading claims about liability for damages if the exceeded budget is not approved, raising doubts about the transparency of the process, according to CEO Juha Vierros.

Two prior appeals by Škoda Transtech were rejected: the Market Court dismissed its complaint in late March, ruling its bid failed to meet all technical requirements, and the Supreme Administrative Court denied leave to appeal. Transport Authority Chair Eetu Kinnunen stated that courts have already addressed the matter and that KKV lacks authority beyond their rulings.

Kinnunen does not expect further delays, as the schedule accounts for appeal periods. Political decisions on cost increases are expected in autumn 2026 in Helsinki and Vantaa. The first 33 rapid trams are slated for operation in the early 2030s, with 30 urban trams to follow after 2035.