Koiviston Auto wins Tampere plusbus tender worth over 91 million

Koiviston Auto Tampere has won the tender to operate a new type of bus service in Tampere, Yle reported. The procurement by regional public transport operator Nysse is worth more than 91 million, including option periods, making it its largest bus transport contract by value to date.

The new plusbus service will bring some practices familiar from tram travel to buses, including allowing passengers to board through all doors. Electric articulated buses are due to begin operating on routes 7 and 8 in 2028.

The tender decided now covers route 7, which runs from Linnainmaa through the city centre to Käräjätörmä. The contract starts on 7 August 2028 and could last up to 15 years, including options.

Koiviston Auto Tampere chief executive Harri Tuomaala called the agreement highly significant for the company, saying it would provide work for drivers in the area for a long time. Other bidders were Länsilinjat, Nobina and TOKS. The selection was based on overall economic value, with quality weighted at 25 points and price at 75.

Nysse says route 7 will require 19 electric articulated buses on winter weekdays, as well as reserve vehicles. The buses will be purple, according to an illustration released by the regional transport authority.

Tampere has ruled that its own bus company, Tampereen Kaupunkiliikenne, cannot buy plusbuses from so-called third countries. The city wanted to exclude Chinese buses in particular, citing security of supply. Tampereen Kaupunkiliikenne will operate route 8.

Tuomaala did not say whether Koiviston Auto’s buses could be made in China. He said the company had requested offers from several suppliers but could not provide further details at this stage. Koiviston Auto’s group has experience operating electric articulated buses in the Helsinki region, including Volvo vehicles acquired by group company Helsingin Bussiliikenne in 2022.