Croatian tram’s test runs with passengers to commence today in Helsinki

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Starting today, passengers will be allowed on the Croatian-made low-carriage tram that is currently being tested by Helsinki City Transport (HKL).
      Passenger traffic testing with just one tram will continue for the next six months on Helsinki’s tram lines 6 and 8. Before today, technical tests were carried out for a month on the same tracks (see previous article).
      "In addition to testing the tram’s technical characteristics, we are also interested in passenger feedback", says Ollipekka Heikkilä, head of development at HKL's tram division. Passengers can pass their comments directly to the tram driver, or write them up via the HKL web pages.
     
HKL is in the process of commencing an acquisition of 40 new trams, and is therefore offering different tram manufacturers the possibility for test and promotional runs in the Finnish capital. These test runs do not bind HKL in any way. HKL is to issue a call for tenders regarding the tram purchase later this year, and the acquisition will be decided on in 2009.
     
There are already 70 Croatian Crotram TMK2200 low-carriage trams in use in Zagreb.
      The tram designed for the city of Zagreb is not suitable for Helsinki’s conditions as such. For one, it is too long, and some modifications - such as more seats - are also required inside the tram.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Helsinki City Transport testing Croatian low-carriage tram (19.12.2007)

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