Trams in Helsinki#History
{{Short description|Overview of the tram network in Helsinki, Finland}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Trams in Helsinki
| image = Raitiovaunu HSL logo.svg
| imagesize = 100px
| caption = Logo for the city center tram network
| image2 = HSL_pikaratikka_logo.svg
| imagesize2 = 100px
| caption2 = Logo for light rail services
| image3 = HKL HST Artic 435, Kaivokatu, 2019 (04).jpg
| imagesize3 =
| caption3 = Artic tram on Kaivokatu in 2019
| locale = Uusimaa
| transit_type = Tram
| annual_ridership = 56.8 million
| began_operation = 1891
| ended_operation =
| owner = City of Helsinki
| operator = Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd
| marks =
| vehicles = 137
| system_length = Line length: {{convert|110.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} (October 2023)
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|1000mm|lk=on}}
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = {{convert|15|m|ft|1|abbr=on}}
| average_speed =
| top_speed = {{Convert|70|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| el = {{600 V DC}} overhead line, {{750 V DC}} (line 15){{Cite web |last=Karhu |first=Otso |date=2024-01-04 |title=Raitiokiskoille saapuu viiden miljoonan euron kotimainen "banaani", joka hioo, putsaa ja liikkuu kahteen suuntaan |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20067728 |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}
| map =
| map_state = hide
| alt =
| area served = Helsinki, Espoo
| line_number = 1-10, 13, 15
| start =
| end =
| chief_executive =
| website =
| character = At-grade street running with some segregated right-of-ways
| notrack = 2
| train_length =
}}
File:Helsinki tram network tram 2015 jan 4.webm
Trams in Helsinki form part of the public transport system organised by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority and operated by Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd ({{langx|fi|Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy}}, {{langx|sv|Huvudstadsregionens Stadstrafik Ab}}) in Finland's capital city of Helsinki. The trams are the main means of transport in the city center, and 56.8 million trips were made on the system in 2019.{{Cite web|date=2022-12-31|title=Matkustajamäärät 1.1.-31.12.2022|trans-title=Ridership numbers|url=https://hslfi.azureedge.net/globalassets/hsl/tutkimukset/matkustajamaarat/hsl_matkustajamaarat-0101_31122022.pdf|access-date=2023-09-07|website=Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd|language=fi}} In addition to the older tram network, there is a single light rail line that was opened in October 2023. Although technically compatible with the tram network, the light rail line is separate from the city center tram network.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Päätös antaa pikaratikalle numero 15 kuohuttaa helsinkiläisiä – Näin HSL vastaa |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/helsinki/art-2000009604502.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}
History
{{Main article|History of trams in Helsinki}}
Current system
= Lines =
File:Two light rail trams on line 15 in Keilaniemi.jpg connects Keilaniemi in Espoo and Itäkeskus in Helsinki.]]
{{As of|2024|09|02}}, the network consists of 11 individually numbered city center tram lines and one numbered light rail line. Lines 1 and 8 operate on a slightly different route during weekends when they go to the West Harbour terminal, indicated with a "T" suffix on the line number. Lines 3N and 9N are operated on a slightly modified line 3 and 9 route respectively during night time.{{Cite web |last=Holappa |first=Marika |date=2024-08-11 |title=Joukkoliikenne {{!}} HSL:n liikennöintiin muutoksia maanantaista alkaen – Luvassa muun muassa uusia linjoja |url=https://www.hs.fi/helsinki/art-2000010623768.html |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |title=Näin ratikkareitit muuttuivat 2.9. – Mannerheimintien peruskorjauksen seuraava vaihe alkaa |url=https://www.hsl.fi/hsl/uutiset/liikennetiedote/2024/06/nain-ratikkareitit-muuttuvat-syksylla--mannerheimintien-katutyot-siirtyvat-runeberginkadun-ja-reijolankadun-valille |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=HSL |language=fi}} The light rail line 15 is currently the only tram line in Helsinki to also reach the neighbouring city of Espoo, all other lines travel inside Helsinki only.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Helsinki tram lines {{As of|2024|09|02|lc=on}} |
| colspan=2|Line
!Type !From !Via !To !Maps |
|---|
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|1}};" rowspan=2 |
! 1{{efn|Weekdays only.|name=wdo}} | rowspan="2" |City center | Eira | rowspan="2" | Lasipalatsi, Töölö, Sörnäinen | rowspan="2" | Käpylä | rowspan="2" |{{Helsinki tram line 1|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| 1T{{efn|Weekends only.|name=weo}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|2}};" |
! 2{{efn|Trams on lines 2 and 3 do not turn around at their shared terminus at the Olympia Terminal, but change their line signs.|name=line23}} |City center | Market Square, Central Railway Station, Kamppi, Töölö | Pasila |{{Helsinki tram line 2|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|3}};" rowspan="2" |
! 3{{efn|name=line23}} | rowspan="2" | City center | rowspan="2" | Olympia Terminal | rowspan="2" | Eira, Central Railway Station, Hakaniemi | rowspan="2" | {{Helsinki tram line 3|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| 3N{{efn|Operates during night time only.|name=line3n}}
| Meilahti |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|4}};" |
! 4 |City center | Alppila |{{Helsinki tram line 4|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|5}};" |
! 5{{efn|Ferry arrival and departure times only.}} |City center | |{{Helsinki tram line 5|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|6}};" |
! 6 |City center | Central Station, Sörnäinen | Arabia |{{Helsinki tram line 6|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|7}};" |
! 7{{efn|Trams on lines 7 and 9 do not turn around at their shared terminus at the West terminal, but change their line signs.|name=line79}} |City center | Central Railway Station, Kruununhaka, Sörnäinen, Pasila |{{Helsinki tram line 7|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#7f5ca3;" rowspan=2 |
! 8{{efn|name=wdo}} | rowspan="2" |City center | rowspan=2 | Ruoholahti, Töölö, Sörnäinen | rowspan=2 | Arabia | rowspan=2 |{{Helsinki tram line 8|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| 8T{{efn|name=weo}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|9}};" rowspan=2 |
! 9{{efn|name=line79}} | rowspan="2" |City center | rowspan="2" | Kamppi, Central Railway Station, Kallio, Pasila | rowspan="2" | Ilmala | rowspan="2" |{{Helsinki tram line 9|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| 9N{{efn|Operates on Friday and Saturday nights only.|name=line9n}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|10}};" |
! 10 |City center | Kirurgi | Vallila |{{Helsinki tram line 10|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#{{rail color|Helsinki City Transport|13}};" |
! 13 | City center | Nihti | Kalasatama, Pasila | West Pasila |{{Helsinki tram line 13|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
| style="background:#007e79;" |
! 15 |Light rail | Otaniemi, Laajalahti, Leppävaara, Huopalahti, Oulunkylä, Viikki |{{Helsinki tram line 15|inline=yes|collapse=yes}} |
{{notelist}}
In addition, the SpåraKoff pub tram has operated during the summer months since 1995.{{Cite web |last=Moilanen |first=Kaisu |date=2015-05-07 |title=Keskiolutta raitiovaunussa! – Spårakoff oli ilmestyessään suuri nähtävyys, jossa on kosittu ja vietetty häitä |url=https://www.hs.fi/ihmiset/art-2000002821952.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}
= Network =
The tram network is built almost exclusively on the streets of Helsinki, making it a traditional tram system rather than light rail. The track gauge is one metre. The network consists almost entirely of double track rail. In some parts the tracks are separated from other road traffic; elsewhere they share road space with cars and buses.
The trams are powered with electricity conveyed by 600 V DC overhead wires, although the voltage is planned to be raised to 750 V in 2025. Trams have their own traffic lights, distinguished from normal lights in that they are based on symbols of single colour: an upward-pointing arrow signifies "go", a horizontal line "prepare to go/stop" and the letter S "stop". The traffic lights are synchronised to allow tram and bus traffic to flow relatively smoothly. This system is called HeLMi (Helsinki Public Transport Signal Priority and Passenger Information).Helsinki Urban Traffic Control Centre Line 15 uses a different system based on inductive loops and requests from the trams themselves. Line 15's traffic lights also have a fourth aspect: a circle above the letter S, which signifies that the traffic light has acknowledged receipt of a request for the tram. On the inner-city network, a small flashing LED is provided with the S aspect.
{{clear left}}
= Rolling stock =
File:Tram_in_Helsinki.JPEG tram on line 7A.]]
File:Helsinki tram 20170130.jpg
File:SpåraKoff, Rautatientori, 2019 (02).jpg, the so-called "pub tram", departing from Helsinki Railway Square]]
{{As of|2022|11}}, HKL has 122 tram units in scheduled passenger service. Additionally, there are trams in reserve and in charter use. The MLNRV I and II series (rebuilt Valmet Nr I and Valmet Nr II units) and Škoda Artic series comprise the city center fleet, and the light rail line 15 uses bidirectional Škoda Artic X54 units.
In 2006–2011, all Valmet Nr II (at that point known as NRV II) vehicles underwent a major modification process in which a {{convert|6.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} low-floor midsection was added to the tram. The type designation was changed to MLNRV II to reflect the modifications made, and the longer trams were re-introduced in traffic gradually as the modification works were completed. During the process, HKL also rebuilt ten of the older Nr I trams (at that point known as NRV II) in the same way, which brought the total number of MLNRV trams to 52 upon completion in mid-2014.
The fully low-floor Variotram units, acquired in 1998–2003 from Adtranz (later Bombardier) and built by Transtech Oy in Otanmäki, proved to be unreliable, causing a shortage of operable trams. Starting in 2004, HKL purchased ten Duewag series second-hand trams from Mannheim in Germany to cover for the shortage.{{Cite web |last=Alku |first=Antero |date=2007-07-13 |title=Düwag GT6 |url=https://www.kaupunkiliikenne.net/GT6.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.kaupunkiliikenne.net}} Eventually arrangements were made with Bombardier to keep a sufficient number of the units in operation. All of the Duewag units were either withdrawn or relegated to charter service by the end of 2014. All Variotrams were taken out of use in 2018 because of the problems.{{Cite web |last=Nieminen |first=Tommi |date=2000-09-02 |title=Ratikkaliikenne jatkuu Arabianrantaan asti |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000003908255.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Salomaa |first=Marja |date=2017-08-22 |title=HKL hankkiutuu eroon vanhoista matalalattiaraitiovaunuista – Bombardier maksaa korvauksia 33 miljoonaa euroa |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000005336282.html |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}
Beginning in 2013, HKL acquired 72 new Artic trams. They have a double-articulated, eight-axle design, are {{convert|27.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} long and have 74 fixed seats, 14 foldable seats and space for 75 standing passengers.{{Cite web |date=2010-12-02 |title=Transtech toimittaa uudet raitiovaunut |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-5680813 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}} The design has a 100% low floor and conventional, turning bogies designed to run without problems on Helsinki's challenging old-fashioned track network.{{Cite web |last=Malmberg |first=Lari |date=2016-01-02 |title=Tervetuloa hiljainen raitiovaunukyyti – ensimmäinen Artic-raitiovaunu saapuu Helsinkiin kahden viikon päästä |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000002877794.html |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}} Two prototype units were delivered in 2013, and each entered passenger service approximately two months after delivery. The first unit of the production series (out of 70), no. 403, arrived in Helsinki in January 2016. In 2018 both prototype units were sold to Schöneiche bei Berlin tramway.{{Cite web |last=Järvinen |first=Katariina |date=2022-06-25 |title=Berliinin reunamilla voi nähdä yllättävän tutun raitiovaunun – Miksi helsinkiläinen ratikka ajelee pitkin saksalaisen pikkukunnan katuja? |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/helsinki/art-2000008900061.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}
Helsinki City Transport, the predecessor of Metropolitan Area Transport, has ordered 29 Artic X54 units for line 15, of which 15 are in service,{{as of?|date=January 2024}} and 23 for the Crown Bridges light rail lines. The first prototype unit arrived in Helsinki in April 2021.{{Cite web |last=Salomaa |first=Marja |date=2021-04-22 |title=Tältä näyttää tulevaisuuden ratikka, joka kiitää Raide-Jokerin ja Kruunusiltojen kiskoilla |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000007934708.html |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Heikkonen |first=Tanja |date=2021-04-09 |title=Ensimmäinen pikaratikka matkaa perjantaina Kajaanista Helsinkiin – tulevia käyttökokemuksia hyödynnetään loppujen tuotannossa |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11875958 |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}
Metropolitan Area Transport announced a tender in October 2023 to acquire new rolling stock to replace the aging MLNRV fleet and to support new services such as the Vantaa light rail. The procurement includes 30 unidirectional and 33 bi-directional units and is estimated to be valued at €1.6 billion.{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Robert |date=2023-10-13 |title=Helsinki launches €1.6bn tender for 63 new LRVs |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/light-rail/helsinki-launches-e1-6bn-tender-for-63-new-lrvs/ |website=International Railway Journal}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Rolling stock {{As of|2022|11|lc=on}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-22 |title=Raitiovaunut tänään (Helsingin seutu) |url=https://www.raitio.org/suomen-raitiotiet-ja-raitiovaunut/helsingin-raitiotiet/raitiovaunut-hkl/raitiovaunut-nykypaivana/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Suomen Raitiotieseura ry (Finnish Tramway Society) |language=fi}} |
| Model
! Type ! {{abbr|No.|Number}} of units ! Car # ! Built ! Acquired ! Modified ! Seats ! Standees ! {{abbr|L|Car length in meters}} ! {{abbr|W|Car width in meters}} ! {{abbr|H|Car height in meters (with pantograph)}} |
|---|
| MLNRV I (Valmet Nr I)
| City center | 10 | 113–122 | 1973–75 | 1973–75 | 1993–2003, 2005, 2012–14 | 49 | 120 | 26.5 | 2.3 | 3.7 |
| MLNRV II (Valmet Nr II)
| City center | 42 | 71–112 | 1983–87 | 1983–87 | 1996–2006, 2008–12 | 49 | 120 | 26.5 | 2.3 | 3.7 |
| Škoda Transtech Artic
| City center | 70 | 403–472 | 2012–2019 | 2013–2019 | | 88 | 125 | 27.6 | 2.4 | 3.8 |
| Škoda Transtech Artic X54
| Light rail |20 (32 more total on order) |601-652 |2019– |2021– | |78+4 |136 |34.0 |2.4 |3.8 |
| ;"
! Totals ! ! 122 ! ! ! ! ! 8,708 ! 14,990 ! ! ! |
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Former rolling stock |
| Tram type
! {{abbr|No.|Number}} of units ! Car # ! Built ! Acquired ! Modified ! Seats ! Standees ! {{abbr|L|Car length in meters}} ! {{abbr|W|Car width in meters}} ! {{abbr|H|Car height in meters (with pantograph)}} |
|---|
| HRO A9
| 1 | 1{{efn-ua|A replica of Brändö Spårvägs Ab tram number 1 from 1917.}} | 1917 | 2007 | 2007 | 28 | 0 | 11.5 | 2.2 | |
| HRO A7
| 1 | 135 | 1928 | 1928 | 1988 | 21 | 26 | 10.2 | 2.1 | 3.7 |
| HRO A4
| 1 | 157 | 1930 | 1930 | 1987 | 21 | 26 | 10.2 | 2.1 | 3.7 |
| Karia HM IV
| 1 | 320 | 1955 | 1955 | 1985 | 29 | 69 | 13.5 | 2.3 | 3.6 |
| Valmet RM 1
| 2 | 332, 339{{efn-ua|Number 339 is owned by Oy Stadin Ratikat Ab.}} | 1955 | 1955 | 1987, 2003–04 | 29 | 69 | 13.5 | 2.3 | 3.6 |
| Karia HM V
| 6 | 9–14, 175{{efn-ua|Number 175, SpåraKoff, is a mobile bar.}} | 1959 | 1959 | 2004–07 | 31 | 57 | 13.5 | 2.3 | 3.6 |
| Duewag GT8N
| 1 | 166 | 1962, 1964 | 2007–08 | 1991–92 | 55 | 120 | 25.7 | 2.2 | 3.8 |
| Duewag GT8
| 1 | 150 | 1967 | 2004 | 1970, 2004 | 64 | 140 | 25.7 | 2.2 | 3.8 |
| NRV (Valmet Nr I)
| 30 | 31–70 | 1973–75 | 1973–75 | 1993–2003, 2005 | 39 | 106 | 20.1 | 2.3 | 3.7 |
| MLRV Bombardier Variotram
| 40 | 201–240 | 1998–2003 | 1998–2003 | | 55 | 80 | 24.4 | 2.3 | 3.7 |
| Škoda Transtech Artic (Prototype)
|2 |401-402 |2013 |2013 | |88 |125 |27.6 |2.4 |3.8 |
{{notelist-ua}}
= Depots =
{{As of|2023|4}}, there are several tram depots and workshops in Helsinki. The city center tram services currently use Töölö and Koskela and a maintenance facility in Vallila. A new depot for 100 trams and 200 buses is being built in Ruskeasuo and the new depot, combined with a rebuild of the aging Koskela depot, is planned to eventually fully replace the Töölö and Vallila facilities.{{Cite web |last=Takala |first=Sami |date=2022-07-05 |title=Helsingin Ruskeasuolle rakennetaan jättimäinen raitiovaunujen ja bussien varikko |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000008925340.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Pannanen |first=Veera |date=2021-11-16 |title=Koskelan raitiovaunuvarikon kaarihalliin suunnitellaan "kiertotalouskorttelia" |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000008406433.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Oksanen |first=Kimmo |date=2023-04-27 |title=Keskellä Helsinkiä sijaitsee työpaikka, jota joskus luullaan museoksi – Silti loppu jo häämöttää |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/helsinki/art-2000009539681.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Kirsi |first=Katri |date=2020-12-03 |title=HKL laittaa 360 miljoonaa raitiovaunuvarikoihin – Ylen saama selvitys paljastaa: Varikkotilat silti liian pienet? |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11677868 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}
Line 15 (Jokeri light rail) has a separate depot in Roihupelto.{{Cite web |last=Jahromi |first=Bijan Rezai |date=2022-09-09 |title=Raide-Jokerin varikko valmistui |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/helsinki/art-2000009058676.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}} The Crown Bridges light rail lines will have as separate depot constructed in Yliskylä, originally due to be completed in 2026.{{Cite web |last=Bäckgren |first=Noona |date=2020-11-04 |title=Helsingin kaupunginvaltuusto hyväksyi murskaenemmistöllä Kruunusiltoihin liittyvän Laajasalon hybridivarikon rakentamisen |url=https://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/art-2000007083445.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Valtanen |first=Tero |date=2021-06-09 |title=Helsingin Kruunusillat-raitiotiehankkeen hinta tuplaantui 800 miljoonaan euroon, nyt pormestari Vapaavuori vaatii selitystä tilanteelle |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11972967 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}
Planned extension of the network
{{Main article|Planned tram projects in Helsinki}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
Bibliography
Miscellaneous
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite web
|url = http://www.hel2.fi/liikenteenohjaus/eng/pt_telematics.asp
|title = Helsinki Public Transport Signal Priority and Passenger Information (HeLMi)
|access-date = 2008-08-15
|publisher = Helsinki Urban Traffic Control Centre
|work = Public Transport Telematics
|ref = notemisc1
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080611015701/http://www.hel2.fi/liikenteenohjaus/eng/pt_telematics.asp
|archive-date = 2008-06-11
}}
{{refend}}
External links
{{commons category|Tram transport in Helsinki}}
- [https://kaupunkiliikenne.fi/en/transport/by-tram/ Transport by tram] on the Metropolitan Area Transport website
{{Public transport in Helsinki}}
{{Tram systems in Finland}}
{{Portalbar|Trains|Finland}}
{{coord missing|Finland}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Helsinki Tram}}
Category:Transport in Helsinki
Category:Tram transport in Finland
Category:Metre-gauge railways in Finland