Witnessing Tampere’s tram renaissance

Ding, ding, ding — a short, bell-like sound alerts pedestrians and road users of approaching trams. This sound needs to be heard clearly in urban environments. With 20 million rides expected this year, the City of Tampere’s tramway is part of a broader trend of light rail investments in the Nordic-Baltic region.  

Standing at a railway station tram stop in the heart of Tampere, Finland, you cannot miss the sound. Here, the red-coloured trams have been running eastward towards the University Hospital since 2021.

By 2032, four new planned stops will extend the line to the Linnainmaa residential neighbourhood.

This route is part of a broader trend: a renaissance of light rail systems across the Nordics and Baltics. Gothenburg, Sweden, has multiple tram projects underway. In Finland, Helsinki launched tram line 15 in 2023, connecting eastern Helsinki to the neighbouring city of Espoo. Cities like Copenhagen and Tallinn are also investing in tram infrastructure.

Heading south, construction is already underway for new routes and stops. By 2028, the tram network will reach the border of Pirkkala, making it the first municipality in Finland to integrate trams into its public transport system.

These tram route expansions are part of the city’s broader tramline development plan, supported by a loan from NIB. Today, the city has a total of 33 tram stops. Once the expansion is complete, there will be 48 stops.

The revival of tram systems signals a broader shift in urban transport planning, as more cities embrace trams for their sustainable, energy-efficient, high-capacity service.

A city on the move

Tampere and the County of Pirkanmaa are one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. While the City of Tampere is often described as small, it is big enough to offer plenty, attracting people with favourable educational and professional opportunities. Living in and getting around Tampere is smooth and convenient, in part thanks to the tram network.

I use the tram daily, as I take it to school, says Aino Jääskeläinen, a 19-year-old living in Tampere. I also take the tram to my hobbies. Additionally, whenever I need to get to the city centre, I use the tram for that too. The best thing about the tram is that it’s a reliable mode of transportation because its schedules are accurate. Travelling by tram is also pleasant—it gets you quickly from one place to another, moves smoothly, and has good air conditioning.

Aino Jääskeläinen

The city’s industrial heritage is visible in the vibrant city centre. The red-brick industrial buildings sit on both sides of the Hämeensilta bridge that crosses the Tammerkoski channel. The red tram carries commuters smoothly over the bridge.

With a population of around 260,000, Tampere is Finland’s third-largest city. It’s known for its relaxed, bold spirit—and its love of saunas.

Situated between two large lakes, the beauty of the environment is cherished by locals and visitors. As the self-proclaimed “Sauna Capital of the World,” Tampere has over 50 public saunas—many of which are just a tram ride away.

Traffic with a unique appeal

Antti Ainola, Head of Finance at Tampereen Raitiotie Oy, a company developing and maintaining the Tampere tramway, says the tram traffic has a unique appeal.

“It doesn’t just shift existing passengers from one mode of transport to another; it actually attracts new users,” explains Ainola.

He estimates that they will reach 20 million tram rides by the end of the year.

The tram also has economic impacts. It pays back Tampere when the value of land increases and people want to build more. So, it can affect both land and property values.

Antti Ainola, Head of Finance at Tampereen Raitiotie Oy

Image: Tampereen Raitiotie Oy

Next stop: Moomin museo

A tram dressed in a Moomin pattern glides past. The world’s only museum dedicated to Tove Jansson’s beloved characters is located right here in Tampere. And the tram numbers 1 and 3 can take you there, just hop off at the stop called Tulli.

While one tram crosses the Hämeensilta bridge, the Moomin tram turns south just before the bridge. In that direction will be the new route all the way to the Pirkkala municipality.

The city’s residents have embraced the tram as their own. In addition to the Moomin tram, other trams with art on the side zip through the city.

Each tram also has a name—many chosen by the public. Currently, you can spot trams with names such as Lyyli, Valma, Saaga, Lempi, Iisakki, Visa, Helinä, Atro, Aava, Tellervo, Tuure, Kukka, Ritva, Ensio, Urho, Päiviö, Aliisa, Olga, Veera, Hilla, Martta, Pirkka, Sointu, Sampsa, Paavo, Arsi, Elias and Oiva moving commuters around the city.

Beyond the city limits

The tram’s planned journey doesn’t end in Pirkkala. Plans are already in motion to extend the line to Ylöjärvi, a small city just 12 kilometres west of Tampere.

“In ten years, there could be traffic to Ylöjärvi,” Ainola reveals.

The planning phase for extending the Tampere tram to the neighbouring city of Ylöjärvi begins this autumn. The city will begin detailed planning for tram streets, specifying space requirements and technical solutions.

Following Ylöjärvi, the city of Kangasala, located east of Tampere, could be next.

Trams are appreciated for many reasons: they offer a smoother, quieter ride with less bouncing, making travel more comfortable. They also produce no direct emissions, helping to keep city air cleaner.

Long-term financing from NIB enables cities like Tampere to invest in sustainable transport, which is also an important part of the city’s carbon neutrality goal.

The entire tramway project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the Tampere region, with a total cost of approximately EUR 900 million.

NIB and Tampereen Raitiotie Oy have agreed a EUR 165 million 30-year uncommitted credit facility. The financing is earmarked for the extension of the Tampere tramway network and the procurement of new trams.

In Finland, NIB has also financed trams in Helsinki with several loans:

• NIB finances new tram line for Helsinki metropolitan area – Nordic Investment Bank
• NIB finances energy-efficient trams for Helsinki – Nordic Investment Bank
• NIB provides long-term loan for new trams and metro cars in Helsinki – Nordic Investment Bank