The new Artic X54 light rail vehicle is now carrying passengers. It runs between the Market Square and Töölö under route number 4S, Monday to Friday approximately between 8am and 7pm.
The light rail vehicle was delivered from the factory in March and it has been tested in Helsinki since the spring.
The vehicle is turquoise in color and longer than normal city trams. It has a driver's cab at both ends and doors on both sides.
The light rail vehicle procured by HKL was manufactured by Škoda Transtech at its Otanmäki factory in Kajaani. HSL is responsible for the design and appearance of the vehicle.
The first light rail route in the Helsinki region will be route 550. It will replace the current trunk bus route 550 between Itäkeskus and Keilaniemi.
Later, light rail services will operate to Laajasalo and along Vihdintie.
Information about the light rail vehicle
• The light rail vehicle is fully low floor and accessible. The biggest difference to the original Artic tram is that the middle section of the car is step-free and the tram does not have a sloping floor.
• Thanks to the innovative chassis of the vehicle, the air-conditioned tram has a seating capacity of 78 passengers. The total passenger capacity is 214.
• The light rail vehicle consists of five modules and it has four swiveling bogies, just like the original Artic tram. The smart control mechanism allows a spacious multi-functional area in the middle that can accommodate six prams or two large wheelchairs. There are also two seats for passengers travelling with guide dogs or pets.
• The light rail vehicle is 34 meters long and it is bidirectional.