Tampere’s tramways are developing along with the city, and LICO has been part of the journey from the beginning. The advanced composites help ensure the tram cars’ lightness, durability and appearance – providing sustainable quality in challenging northern conditions.
At Tampere, the most attractive city in Finland, the tramway network is expanding. The tram fleet, manufactured by Škoda Transtech at its Otanmäki factory in Kajaani, Finland, operates on green electricity. Each tram car can carry the same number of passengers as three buses. At 37.3 metres long, 2.65 metres wide and 3.6 metres high, and weighing 56.8 tons without passengers, Tampere’s tram cars are the largest in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, they are accessible, spacious, air-conditioned and specially designed for northern conditions.
“In summer, the temperatures on the tram cars’ outer surfaces can reach up to 50 degrees, while frosts can drop as low as -30 degrees in winter. Concurrently, the tram cars must be frequently washed,” says Mika Luutikivi, Fleet Manager at Tampere Tramway Ltd.
Composites for lightweight, durable and stylish tram cars
As a subcontractor of Škoda Transtech, LICO delivers the composite panels for tram car manufacturing and maintenance. The tram cars in Tampere have been praised for both their technical functionality and aesthetics, with the composite panels and interiors perfectly fitting into the modern and stylized appearance. LICO’s design and testing methods ensure the best results without compromising rigidity, lightness, functionality or safety.
“LICO’s components are of excellent quality, and there have been no defects due to ageing or weather. Also, the replacement parts have always arrived on time, which is important because we need to keep the city traffic moving,” states Luutikivi.
Towards a cleaner and smoother city life
Tampereen Raitiotiet is extending its tram cars to meet the growing passenger demand, which has exceeded expectations. The extension modules will boost the tram capacity by over 30%, from 264 to 345 passengers, while maintaining a 7.5-minute interval between trams. This consistent interval will save approximately two million euros annually in public transport costs. Altogether, Tampereen Raitiotiet has ordered eight new tram cars from Škoda Transtech, of which two are already in use.
“Throughout my long career, I’ve worked with many companies, and I can say that LICO is doing excellent work. It’s great to have a supplier with whom we haven’t had any problems even once. The journey towards a more sustainable and better-functioning city continues,” says Luutikivi.