Tram 13 will run from Nihti in Sompasaari via Kalasatama Metro Station and Hermannin rantatie to Vallilanlaakso, from where it continues via Pasila train station to Pasilanraitio.
“Tram route 13 significantly strengthens Helsinki’s tram services,” says Vesa Silfver, acting Executive Director of HSL. “The route connects two major public transport hubs, i.e. Kalasatama Metro Station and Pasila train station. We expect the route to carry four to five million passengers a year which is why it supports our goal to increase public transport ridership."
The number of rail passengers traveling between Kalasatama and Pasila will further increase when the Kruunusillat tramway opens sometime in 2027. According to current plans, tram 13 will continue on the same route. In addition, the plans include a new tram route 11 from Sompasaari to Pasila.
Tram route 13 extends tram services to new areas in Helsinki. Transport links to Pasila and Kalasatama will also improve from Hermanni, southern Arabianranta, and Kumpula campus.
“The tram service between Kalasatama and Pasila supports the urban development of Helsinki and the region by providing fast connections between the fastest-growing areas of the capital,” says Anni Sinnemäki, Deputy Mayor of the Urban Environment Division of the City of Helsinki.
The catchment area of tram route 13 in Kalasatama is estimated to be home to about 30,000 people and more than 10,000 jobs in 2040. According to current estimates, approximately 50,000 people will work in Pasila by 2040, which is twice as many as today. By then, the number of people living in Pasila will be nearly 30,000.
One tram route at a time towards emission-free Helsinki
Tram route 13 is a step forward towards the expansion of Helsinki's tram network. According to plans, trams will run at the end of the decade in Hernesaari and along the Vihdintie urban boulevard.
Both the City of Helsinki and HSL have committed to strict targets for reducing emissions. Saving energy in transport is also becoming increasingly important.
“Local-emission-free tram services that use renewable energy contribute to achieving the targets,” says Deputy Mayor Sinnemäki “Increasing rail services and the number of electric buses are some of the means by which we can reach the emission target for transport. By providing fast rail links that provide access to a wide variety of services we will also reduce the need for using car.”
“At first, the route will be operated with Artic and articulated trams. The operation of the route requires about 35 new drivers. We are happy and excited to start the operation of the new, highly anticipated service,” says Juha Hakavuori, Managing Director at Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd
Welcome to celebrate the opening of the route in Kalasatama on 12 August!
We will celebrate the opening of tram route 13 in the Redi shopping center in Kalasatama on Monday 12 August from 3pm. Come and join us!
Read more about the opening celebrations here