Tampere tram marks five years with 79 million trips

Tampere’s tram service has carried 79 million passenger trips in its first five years, Yle reports. Ridership has risen steadily, from nearly 10 million trips in its first year in 2021 to more than 20 million last year.

The city council decided to build the tramway less than 10 years ago, after a heated debate. Opponents warned, among other things, that deaf people might not hear the trams and could be run over. There were also concerns that people might attempt suicide by throwing themselves under a tram.

The council approved construction in November 2016 by a vote of 41 to 25. The meeting lasted nearly six hours. Sanna Marin, who was then chair of the Tampere city council, attracted attention with her firm handling of the debate.

The tram has increased public transport use in Tampere. New housing has been built along the route, and car traffic has been redirected to new routes.

Art has been displayed on the trams and at stops from the beginning. The city also operates an art tram, whose exterior has featured seven changing works so far.

New routes planned for 2028

Tampere’s tramway is being expanded in stages. The first section ran from Pyynikintori to Hervanta and from the Tays area to Sorin aukio. The route was later extended to Lentävänniemi.

The next expansion will reach Pirkkala and Linnainmaa. The first phase includes sections from Sorin aukio to Partola in Pirkkala, and from the Kauppi campus to Ruotula. The aim is to begin services in August 2028.

The second phase will complete the sections between Partola and Pirkkala, and between Niihama and Linnainmaa. Services on those sections are scheduled to start in January 2032.

The construction costs are estimated at nearly 360 million euros.