Trams have returned to many cities

Many European cities removed their tram systems during the rise of car traffic, but later re-introduced modern tramways to meet changing mobility needs. Turku is not alone.

The tramway is a large but manageable investment

The project is intended to support long-term urban growth, jobs and investment. Relative to the size of Turku, the investment is not exceptional.

The route is the result of long-term planning

The first tram line has been studied for more than ten years. The current route connects the city centre, Turku Science Park, the harbour, the hospital area and major residential districts.

A growing Turku needs effective public transport

Already today, about one third of Turku residents live within the tramway corridor. As the city grows, more people are expected to live close to the planned tram route.

Alternatives also involve risks

The risks of the tramway have been studied extensively, but bus-based alternatives also involve uncertainty. Internationally, major bus projects have exceeded cost estimates.

Operating costs are only part of the picture

Trams cost more to operate than buses, but they also provide much higher capacity and can move more people within the same area.

The project also renews infrastructure for cars

The tramway will not remove car traffic, but the project also includes new traffic lanes, clearer street arrangements and improved traffic safety.

A tram moves many people in limited space

During rush hour, the key issue is not the number of vehicles but the number of people moving. One tram can carry hundreds of passengers using the same street space.

Turku Science Park needs efficient public transport

The growing area around Kupittaa, Itäharju, the universities and the hospital needs efficient connections to the city centre and the rest of Turku.

Supports local businesses in the long run

Construction causes temporary disruption, but in the long term better public transport can improve accessibility, customer flows and the attractiveness of areas for businesses.

Why doesn’t the route go via the travel centre?

Different route options through the future travel centre area were studied, but the Humalistonkatu route was considered the best option overall.

Tramways are common in medium-sized cities

Tramways are not unusual in Europe. They are a common public transport solution in many cities similar in size to Turku.

The tramway connects Varissuo more closely to the city

Varissuo is already one of the busiest public transport areas in Turku. The tramway would improve accessibility and connections to jobs and services.

Residents have been involved in planning

The planning process has included public meetings, surveys and several interaction phases. Feedback has been collected from residents and businesses.

The tram project improves traffic safety

Streets along the route would be redesigned according to modern principles. Junctions become clearer, cycling improves and pedestrian safety increases.

Construction impacts will be minimised

Construction would proceed in phases so streets can remain in use. Temporary traffic arrangements, safety and communication are an important part of the project.

Conditions are not unusual

Clay soil, winter weather and a historic city centre do not prevent tramway construction. Similar or even more demanding conditions exist in cities such as Gothenburg.

Culture and education along the route

Museums, libraries, galleries and event venues are located near the tram line. Good public transport connections make cultural services easier to reach.

44% of new development along the route

According to the city development plan, around 44% of Turku’s future construction by 2050 would be located along the Harbour–Varissuo corridor. The tramway would help guide growth.

The tramway does not threaten local nature

The first line would mostly run along existing streets and built areas. Environmental impacts have been assessed, and planning takes trees, stormwater and construction impacts into account.

Street space is reorganised

Street space is limited, and different modes of transport must share it. The tram does not remove car traffic, but makes the overall use of space organised and more efficient.

Modern tram systems use energy efficiently

Trams run on electricity and can recover braking energy. Power supply, driving style and infrastructure are designed to work together as an energy-efficient system.

The line is not unusually short

The first tram line in Turku is about 12 kilometres long, which is typical. In many cities, initial tram lines are similar in length or even shorter.

All-door boarding speeds up travel

With open boarding, passengers can enter through all doors without showing a ticket to the driver. This reduces stop times and makes travel smoother, especially during peak hours.

Creates jobs

Construction is expected to generate over 5,100 person-years of work. The impact starts soon after the decision, and in the current construction market there is a clear need for jobs.

Does not automatically increase taxes

The tramway does not automatically lead to higher municipal taxes. Long-term estimates show the impact is less than 0.1 percentage points.

Serves schools and upper secondary education

The route runs past several schools and educational institutions. It makes school journeys easier and connects different parts of the city with the centre, campuses and leisure activities.

Supports local business

Tram stops create steady foot traffic, which supports shops and services. In Turku’s assessment, 6 out of 20 stops were identified with high and 9 with moderate commercial potential.

Makes everyday life easier for families

The tram is a clear and easy-to-understand mode of transport. Stops are visible and the tram stops at each one. Spacious, accessible vehicles make travelling with prams and small children easier.

Stronger streets

As part of the tramway project, street structures are renewed and strengthened. A more durable foundation handles heavy traffic better and keeps streets smoother, benefiting buses as well.

Green track reduces dust and noise

Parts of the tram can be built as green track. Vegetation helps bind street dust, reduce noise and make the urban environment more pleasant.

Construction will proceed in stages

The tram will not be built everywhere at once. Work will move forward in stages, and streets and underground infrastructure that need renewal anyway will be upgraded at the same time.

A safe way to travel

Trams run predictably on their own track and stop at clear, accessible stops. Smooth movement, good visibility and accessible design make tram travel safe for different groups of passengers.

Noise impacts have been studied

The tram’s noise impacts have been modelled in advance. The increase is generally small, and noise can be reduced through track design and regular maintenance.

Better access to the hospital area

The Kupittaa hospital area is one of Turku’s most important destinations. The tram improves access to an area where parking space is limited and traffic is busy.

A long lifespan spreads the cost

The tram is built to last for decades. Its long lifespan means the investment should be assessed over its entire life cycle, not just the initial construction cost.

Forecasts are based on data

The impacts of the tram are assessed using transport models that take population growth, jobs and land use into account. These forecasts are not guesses, but based on data.

Easier journeys for students

Turku has around 40,000 students. The tram will serve key higher education campuses and make it easier to travel between them and the rest of the city.

Growth in Itäharju requires strong public transport

Significant infill development is planned in Itäharju. As the number of residents and jobs grows, efficient public transport is needed so that everyday travel does not rely mainly on cars.

Better conditions for cycling

When the tram is built, the entire street environment will be renewed. At the same time, cycling routes will become clearer, more continuous and safer at intersections.

Easy to understand and use

Rails, a fixed route, large vehicles and clearly marked stops make the tram easy to understand. This makes it easier to use, even for people who are not familiar with public transport.

Alliance model shares risks and rewards

The project is delivered together by the City of Turku, Turku Tramway Ltd., GRK, NRC, Ramboll and Sweco. If the project performs well, the partners are rewarded – if not, compensation is reduced.

Less microplastic from tyres

Road traffic is the largest source of microplastics in Finland, much of it from tyre wear. Trams do not use rubber tyres and therefore avoid this type of emission.

Archaeology is taken into account

About one kilometre of the 12-kilometre route runs through archaeologically sensitive areas. Test excavations show that historical layers do not prevent construction.

Public art as part of the city

Around €3 million is reserved for public art using the “percent for art” principle. Art can be seen at stops, along the route and on the vehicles.

Not just end-to-end travel

With 20 stop pairs, there are 190 possible journeys in one direction and 380 in both directions. The tram serves the whole route, not just the endpoints.

Low rolling resistance saves energy

Steel wheels on rails roll more easily than rubber tyres on asphalt. When many people travel together, energy use per passenger stays low.

Improved access to universities

More than 30,000 people study and work at the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi. The tramway improves access to the campus areas with several stops along the route.

Streets and infrastructure are renewed at the same time

Building the tramway also means upgrading streets, water pipes and sewer systems. The cost of this work is estimated at €33.3 million.

Better access to the rail yard area

The Asemanaukio stop, next to the old railway station, will be located right by the rail yard area. It provides easy access to an area where an arena, experience centre, hotel and housing for around 1,500 residents are planned.

The tram supports event travel

Several major event areas are located along the route, from the castle park area to Logomo and Kupittaa. The tram can efficiently carry large numbers of people before and after

The project has also been assessed externally

Municipal economic impacts have been analysed by FCG and real estate impacts by Newsec. Cost calculations have also been reviewed by an external expert.

Smooth connection to trains at Kupittaa

Tram stops are located within a short walking distance of Kupittaa station. This improves the travel chain towards Helsinki and supports people arriving in Turku.

There is also regional interest

Neighbouring municipalities are not part of the first phase, but have generally been neutral or cautiously positive. The system has also been considered at a regional level.

Fewer buses in the city centre

One tram can carry as many passengers as about three large three-axle buses. This makes travel clearer and reduces the number of buses in the centre.

The network can be expanded later

The current decision only concerns the first line, but several extensions have already been planned. The first phase works on its own and does not depend on future expansion.

The tram works in winter

Finland has long experience of operating trams in winter conditions. Heated switches, snow removal and stop maintenance are all part of normal operations.

The tramway is designed to fit the city

In the city centre, tracks are planned to be built using materials like brown cobblestones. In other areas, green tracks are used to soften the streetscape.

Decisions have been made step by step

The Turku tramway has been prepared over a long time: from the 2009 principle decision to general plans, further guidelines, implementation planning and a possible construction decision in 2026.

Bus drivers won’t lose their jobs

Most of the public transport will still be operated by buses. In Tampere, bus services have actually increased after the tramway was introduced.

Costs over time

The investment is implemented in phases over several years. Financing and borrowing are also spread over time.

Investment in walking

Around €40 million is invested in pedestrian areas and cycling. The street environment becomes more walkable and safer.

Land value benefits the city

The city owns a significant share of land along the route. The tram increases demand, and rising land value returns to the city over time.

One system

The tram will be an integrated part of Föli. The same tickets are valid on trams and buses and the public transport network operates as one seamless system.

Lifecycle matters

Experiences with high-capacity bus systems are mixed. Costs should be assessed over the full lifecycle, not just the purchase price.

More trees along the route

The preliminary plans include 726 new trees along the route. 351 will be removed, so the total number increases.

State funding

The state contributes approximately €127 million after a conditional decision. The city’s share is not the full €465 million, but about €338 million.

Port connections

Thousands of passengers arrive at the port at a time. The tram provides a direct link to the city centre and reduces pressure on the street network.

Part of the city

The tram runs in the street and connects areas. It does not create a barrier between urban communities like a railway corridor, but instead supports a compact and functional urban structure.

More passengers

Tramways increase public transport use. In Lund, passenger numbers more than doubled on the same route, and in Tampere over 20.5 million trips were made in 2025. Rail attracts new users as well.

Growth follows the tram corridor

Turku has around 210,000 residents, and growth has already concentrated along the planned tram corridor.

Cities decide before state funding

The city decides first, after which the state makes a separate funding decision. This is part of the current MAL agreement model.

Rail is perceived as less stressful

Studies show rail transport is seen as more reliable, clearer and less stressful than bus services.

Construction emissions reduced

Construction emissions have been reduced by about 35% compared to earlier estimates through optimized materials and design.

Noise and vibration controlled

The tramway is designed with structures that reduce vibration and ground-borne noise. These effects are included in project costs.

Plenty of seating

Trams offer more seating and higher capacity than buses. In Tampere, a single tram has over 100 seats.

Taito campus along the route

The new campus in Kupittaa will be located directly along the tram line, bringing thousands of daily users.

Planned service start in 2033

Tram operations are planned to begin in 2033, based on phased implementation.

Long-distance rail is not a substitute

Rail does not serve the same destinations or everyday trips. The distance from Varissuo to a potential Vaala station is up to 1.5 km, while tram stops are closer. Even at best, train frequencies would be clearly lower than the planned 7.5 minutes. ≠

Extensive studies completed

The tramway has been planned for decades and is based on extensive studies. The material has been updated based on councillors’ additional questions, covering for example economy, environment and transport.

20 stop pairs

The first line is planned to have 20 stop pairs. Stops are placed in central locations and support smooth travel.

Strong user base

Over 28 million trips are made by bus in the Föli region annually. This provides a strong foundation for developing public transport.

Also to nearby nature

The tram does not only go to the city centre, it can also take you to nearby nature. At the Varissuo end, stops are located close to large forest areas. The tram does not threaten valuable natural areas.

New users

The tram also attracts new users to public transport. Rail-based transport is often seen as more attractive than buses and also attracts car users.

More equal mobility

The tram supports more equal mobility and makes everyday travel easier for many. Public transport is on average more important for women, who use it more than men.

Green track in the city

About 29% of the line will be built as green track, with rails placed in grass or other vegetation. This is common in many European tram cities.

Higher property revenue

Up to 500,000 square metres of additional development is expected along the tram corridor compared to bus alternatives. This increases the city’s property-related revenue in the long term.

Investments are needed anyway

Streets and utilities need to be renewed regardless. Without the tram, basic renovations and public transport improvements along the route would cost around €65 million.

Local jobs

The tram project creates jobs in planning, construction and supply chains. The investment also supports local businesses and employment.

Accessible stops

Stops are designed to be accessible. Boarding happens directly from the platform without steps, and the vehicles have low floors and wide doors. This makes travelling easier with strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.

Kupittaa sports area

Many sports facilities in Kupittaa Park are located close to a tram stop. The area already has several major venues and more sports facilities are being planned.

Living without a car becomes easier

Good public transport makes everyday travel easier without a car. You may still have a car, but you don’t always need to use it for daily trips.

Easy transfers

Dedicated lanes and traffic signal priority help trams run smoothly and stay on schedule. A reliable main line makes it easier to transfer between trams and buses.

Nature has been studied

Extensive environmental studies have been carried out during planning. These studies have mapped vegetation, animal species and valuable natural areas along the route.

Trams are purchased separately

The first phase is planned to use 14 trams. The estimated cost of the vehicles is about 65–75 million euros.

The depot is part of the project

The tram depot is planned in Iso-Heikkilä. This is where the trams are stored, cleaned and maintained, and it is included in the project’s cost estimate.

12 kilometres of tramway

The first tram line from the Port to Varissuo via the city centre and Kupittaa will be about 12 kilometres long. The line will have two tracks and use the European standard gauge of 1435 mm.

Investment follows growth

Investors tend to focus on cities where they see strong growth and development potential. Population growth, urban development and a reliable transport system all make a city more attractive for investment.

Clay soil has been taken into account

Turku is built on soft clay soil, and this has been considered in the planning. Track structures are designed based on soil studies, using solutions such as stabilisation and piling.

Service frequency

The planned service frequency on the line Port–City Centre–Kupittaa–Varissuo is 7.5 minutes. Frequent service reduces waiting time at stops and makes transfers easier. The tram mostly runs on its own lanes, which helps keep the service reliable.

Caenin raitiotie

Caenin raitiotie