Finland’s Tampere to test extended trams from Škoda

Tampere’s trams are manufactured in Kajaani at Škoda Transtech’s Otanmäki factory. Sirviö and Lauri Lyly, Chair of the Board of Tampereen Raitiotie Oy, visited the Otanmäki factory to inspect the prototype being equipped. Photo: Škoda Group.

Tampere’s tram operator will begin test runs of a 47-metre extended tram in summer 2026, using a prototype supplied by Škoda Group.

The project lengthens Tampere’s existing fleet via an additional module, aiming to increase capacity per departure without increasing service frequency. Škoda says factory production of the extension modules will begin after testing.

What the Tampere prototype is testing

Škoda says the extended tram is designed to match the fleet’s technical characteristics and to maintain compatibility and interchangeability of components and materials with the existing vehicles.

The summer 2026 programme is therefore a key test of whether the longer configuration can be introduced in service while remaining technically and operationally compatible with the existing fleet — including whether it can be maintained within the current set-up.

From prototype to rollout decision

For Tampere, the approach frames capacity growth as a configuration decision: adding length to an established vehicle platform, rather than procuring a new tram family with a larger support footprint.

Why it matters: Length-based capacity upgrades only scale if the extended vehicles remain operationally “the same fleet” once vehicle length changes under real service conditions.