Planning of Turku’s tram procurement well under way 

Turku Tramway Ltd. has conducted market dialogues with tram manufacturers as part of the preparations for the procurement of rolling stock. The tendering is being prepared well in advance so that the tendering process for the trams can begin without delay after the possible investment decision on tramway infrastructure has been made. 

Market dialogues have been held with tram manufacturers in autumn 2024 and spring 2025. Market dialogues are used to determine what is available on the market and to specify the technical characteristics of the trams we are looking for before the actual procurement. A third round of negotiations is planned before the publication of the call for tenders for the trams.

– Through market dialogues, we can ensure that we also hear the experiences of rolling stock manufacturers to ensure that Turku gets the best possible trams. The negotiations have been fruitful, and we have learned valuable lessons for the upcoming procurement, says Ville Sjöholm, Rolling Stock Specialist at Turku Tramway Ltd.

A total of 14 trams would be purchased for Turku. The procurement is being prepared well in advance so that the tendering process for the trams can begin without delay after the possible investment decision on tramway infrastructure has been made. The procurement of rolling stock is a long process, as it takes three or four years to build the rolling stock after the tendering process. The trams are needed for the implementation of the track system, test drives and driver training well before the tramway line opens.

Call for tenders finds the best trams for Turku 

The information on the technical requirements for the rolling stock will be specified further during the preparation of the procurement. The characteristics of the trams are defined on the basis of proven solutions available on the market, taking into account, for example, the weather conditions in Turku.

Once a supplier has been chosen, the details of the tram will be refined further, for example together with the future passengers.

Quality factors are taken into account in addition to procurement costs and total cost of operation when choosing a supplier. Such factors can include comfort, noise levels or ease of maintenance. The aim is to find the tram that is best suited for Turku, reliable and cost-effective throughout its life cycle.

Tram traffic is slated to begin in Turku in the early 2030s. Trams have a long service life of up to 40 years. Their procurement is therefore being prepared for the needs of public transport for several decades going forward.

For more information

Ville Sjöholm, Turku Tramway Ltd, Rolling Stock Specialist, tel. +358 40 584 0300, ville.sjoholm@turunraitiotie.fi