Turku, Finland, tramway approved

Turku is the regional capital of south-west Finland, with a population of 209 600, and known for its ferry links to Sweden and shipbuilding. The city had a first generation tramway from 1890 until 1972, but on 18 May 2026 the city council voted by 36 votes to 31 to approve plans for a brand new tram line, that should be ready to open by the end of 2032. Studies have taken place since 2008, with a general plan for a line linking the Port (Salaam) and Varissuo via the city centre emerging in 2023. By 2050 it is estimated that 30% of the population, 46% of employment and 42% of residential development will be within 600m of this corridor, including the University of Turku. 

 

The approved line is a 12km line that will cost about EUR 465M and require about 30% state support. A fleet of 13 220-passenger trams will provide a 7.5-minute service at peaks, with operations running from 05.00 to 01.30 with an average distance between stops of 600m and an end-to-end journey time of 35 minutes. The Turku Tramway Alliance has been commissioned to build the tramway, bicycle lanes and green infrastructure. It will also renovate Tuomiokirkkosilta (Cathedral Bridge) and surrounding streets. Jaha Saarikoski, Chair of the Tramway Alliance’s Executive Committee, said, ‘We are thrilled at the City Council’s decision. During the two-year planning phase the Alliance has had more than 200 employees working to design a tramway that will serve the people of Turku in the best possible way for decades to come while in keeping with the city’s 800-year history’. An initial budget of EUR 33.3M (EUR 10M from the state) will permit design work to continue and archeological excavations. Tenders will be invited for the tram fleet.