Stadler has secured its first-ever tram contract in Finland after signing an agreement with Finnish public transport operator Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy for 63 TANGO Nordic trams, with options for up to 120 additional vehicles.
The landmark deal represents a significant expansion of Stadler’s presence in the Nordic market and includes a long-term service and maintenance package spanning more than 30 years.
Following the contract award announcement in October 2025, the agreement was formally signed on 11 November 2026. The new fleet will play a key role in modernising tram services across the Helsinki metropolitan area while supporting future public transport expansion in Finland’s capital region.
Alongside vehicle delivery, Stadler will provide technical support, spare parts supply and establish a local spare parts warehouse to ensure reliable long-term operations.
Stadler Makes Its Move into Finland's Tram Market
Commenting on the contract signing, Ansgar Brockmeyer, EVP Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler, said:
“This order marks Stadler’s entry into the Finnish tram market and represents an important milestone for our company. Stadler has decades of experience in developing and manufacturing trams. Our vehicles have proven their reliability in a wide range of operating conditions around the world. We are now bringing this expertise to Helsinki, developing vehicles that meet the demanding requirements of Finnish tram operations.”
Built for Helsinki's Harsh Winter Conditions
The TANGO Nordic trams are based on Stadler’s established TANGO platform but have been specifically adapted to meet the challenges of Finnish operations, including extreme cold, snow and ice.
Engineering enhancements have been incorporated throughout the vehicles, including specialised electrical equipment, mechanical components, bogies and suspension systems to deliver dependable all-weather performance.
The three-section trams will measure between 31 and 34 metres in length and 2.4 metres in width, operating on Helsinki’s metre-gauge network. Flexible interior layouts will enable operators to tailor the vehicles to different passenger demands and service requirements.
Depending on the final configuration, each tram will offer between 70 and 90 seats, two wheelchair spaces and a large multifunctional area suitable for prams, wheelchairs and bulky luggage.
A fully low-floor design will provide step-free access throughout the vehicle, improving accessibility and passenger convenience.
Nordic Design Meets Urban Integration
The exterior appearance of the new trams has been developed in collaboration with Nordic design studio Aivan.
Designed to reflect the architectural character and visual identity of the Helsinki region, the vehicles are intended to integrate seamlessly into the city’s existing urban landscape while delivering a contemporary passenger experience.
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Lifecycle Costs
One of the standout technical features of the TANGO Nordic fleet is its use of four powered, freely pivoting bogies with rigid axles.
The articulated bogie design enables the running gear to adapt more effectively to track geometry, reducing both wheel and track wear, particularly on routes with tight curves. This is expected to lower infrastructure maintenance requirements and improve ride quality.
The trams will also incorporate regenerative braking technology, allowing energy generated during braking to be recovered, temporarily stored and reused during acceleration. This technology is expected to reduce overall energy consumption and contribute to lower operating costs over the vehicles’ lifetime.
Deliveries to Begin in 2029
Manufacturing of the Helsinki fleet will take place at Stadler’s production facility in Siedlce, Poland, a site with extensive experience delivering trams across Europe.
Testing of the first vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2029.
The contract further strengthens Stadler’s position in Finland and across the wider Nordic region. The company has already delivered more than 400 rail vehicles across Nordic countries, including over 120 FLIRT trains and locomotives operating in Finland.
Stadler currently employs around 700 people across 15 Nordic locations and operates four service facilities in Finland. Through the long-term service agreement, the company aims to support reliable and efficient operation of the TANGO Nordic fleet throughout its lifecycle.
Image credits: Stadler
