// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy did Uppsala Tramway go to therapy? It had track issues.
| Uppsala Tramway | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Native name | Uppsala spårväg |
| Owner | Region Uppsala |
| Locale | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Transit type | Tram |
| Number of lines | 2 (planned) |
| Number of stations | 22 |
| Operation | |
| Operation will start | 2029 |
| Operator(s) | Region Uppsala |
| Infrastructure manager | UL |
| Technical | |
| System length | 17 km (11 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) (standard gauge) |
The Uppsala Tramway (Swedish: Uppsala spårväg) is a planned tramway system under construction in Uppsala, Sweden.[1] The first phase comprises a 17 km (11 mi) double-track network with 22 stops served by two routes between Uppsala Central Station, Gottsunda, Ultuna and the planned Bergsbrunna station.[1]
Preparatory construction began in 2024 and passenger service is planned to begin in 2029.[2]
The project forms part of Uppsala Municipality's strategy for urban development and public transport, aiming to support population growth in the region.[1]
It will be the first tram system in the city since the closure of the original Uppsala tramways in 1953.[3]
History
[edit]Original tramway network (1906-1953)
[edit]
Uppsala previously operated a tramway system between 1906 and 1953.[4] The network eventually comprised five routes, including the Graneberg line, opened in 1928 as Sweden's first rapid tramway to a lakeside suburb on Lake Mälaren.[4]
At its greatest extent, the system connected the city centre with Svartbäcken, Erikslund, Polacksbacken, Almtuna and Graneberg.[4] The network was largely single-track with passing loops, limiting capacity.
Following a depot fire in 1945 that destroyed much of the fleet, operations were significantly reduced.[4] The system was gradually replaced by buses as car traffic increased in the post-war period, and the final tram service closed on 12 October 1953.[4]
Modern tramway plans (2010–present)
[edit]Planning for a new tramway began in 2010 as part of Uppsala Municipality's long-term transport strategy.[1] A 2020 feasibility study comparing tram and bus rapid transit concluded that tramway infrastructure best supported the city's projected growth.[1]
In December 2021, the municipal council approved construction subject to state co-financing, which was later confirmed through Sweden's Urban Environment Agreement programme in 2022.[5] A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 22 August 2024, marking the start of utility relocation works.[6]
The tramway is intended to support planned urban expansion in southern Uppsala and improved regional rail connectivity via the East Coast Line and the planned Bergsbrunna station.[1] By 2050, the system is expected to carry approximately 100,000 passenger journeys per day.[1]
Route
[edit]The tramway will consist of approximately 17 km (11 mi) of double track with 22 stops.[1] Two routes will operate between Uppsala Central Station and the planned Bergsbrunna station, sharing a central section before splitting south of Uppsala University Hospital.[1]
The western branch will serve Rosendal and Gottsunda, while the eastern branch will pass through Ultuna and Ulleråker.[1] The branches will rejoin before crossing the Fyris River on a new bridge and continuing via Nåntuna to Bergsbrunna.[1]
The line will serve major regional destinations including Uppsala University Hospital, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala Science Park and Uppsala University.[1]
Services
[edit]Two service routes are planned:
- Line 1: Bergsbrunna – Gottsunda – Uppsala Central Station
- Line 2: Bergsbrunna – Ultuna – Uppsala Central Station
Construction
[edit]Construction is being carried out in phases, beginning with relocation of underground utilities and preparatory infrastructure works.[6] A tram depot is being built near Nåntuna, and a new bridge over the Fyris River will connect the Ultuna and Nåntuna sections of the route.[1] The project is scheduled for completion and opening in 2029.[7]
Rolling stock
[edit]
The tram fleet will be owned by the Swedish rolling stock company Transitio and leased to Region Uppsala.[8]
An initial fleet of 20 bidirectional low-floor trams will be delivered by Škoda Transtech.[9] The vehicles will be approximately 38 metres long and have a capacity of around 186 passengers.[10] The design is based on vehicles supplied for the Tampere light rail system in Finland.[11]
Funding
[edit]The first phase of the tramway is estimated to cost approximately SEK 12.1 billion (2024 prices).[1]
| Funding source | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Swedish state | SEK 3.1 billion |
| Uppsala Municipality | SEK 7.5 billion |
| Region Uppsala | SEK 1.5 billion |
State funding is provided through agreements supporting sustainable urban development and housing construction, while Region Uppsala is responsible for the tram depot and rolling stock.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Uppsala Tramway". Uppsala Municipality. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ Winberg, Hanna (5 August 2025). "Avtalet klart – då börjar spårvägsbygget i Uppsala". Sveriges Radio P4 Uppland (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ Stark, Pontus (2 January 2025). "Här rullar spårvagnarna genom historiska Uppsala". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Stark, Pontus (2 January 2025). "Här rullar spårvagnarna genom historiska Uppsala". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "Bakslag för omdebatterad spårvägsbro – domstol sätter stopp". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). 14 October 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Ett första spadtag inleder arbetet med spårvägen". Uppsala Municipality. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ Winberg, Hanna (5 August 2025). "Avtalet klart – då börjar spårvägsbygget i Uppsala". Sveriges Radio P4 Uppland (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "Tilldelningsbeslut fattat i upphandlingen av spårvagnar till Uppsala". Region Uppsala. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "Škoda Group wins contract to supply trams for Uppsala's new tramway system" (Press release). Škoda Group. 30 June 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "Škoda Group wins contract to supply trams for Uppsala's new tramway system" (Press release). Škoda Group. 30 June 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "Škoda Group wins contract to supply trams for Uppsala's new tramway system" (Press release). Škoda Group. 30 June 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.