Uppsala is growing and is one of Europe's most rapidly expanding regions. By 2050, we expect to have a population of 318,000. This development is of course looked upon very optimistically. This will bring many new opportunities.
We aspire to be a model in the field of urban and rural development. Our vision is for 75 percent of transportation in Uppsala to be made on foot, by bicycle or public transport. To achieve this, travelling by car must decrease. We need to complement the current public transport system with several robust, high-capacity solutions if we want to stay mobile and enjoy great accessibility to everyday services. A city for everyone should also provide public transport for everyone.
Infrastructure Creates New Opportunities
To ensure growth that is not only dynamic but also sustainable, the City of Uppsala, Region Uppsala and the Swedish state have signed an agreement that makes it possible to develop new residential areas and business premises. These new areas will be interconnected with each other as well as the rest of the city through an improved transport infrastructure.
The Swedish state's long-term financial support will enhance Uppsala's attractiveness as a place to both live and work in the region. People commute both to and from Uppsala and an efficient transport system will empower public transportation as an alternative to commuting by car.
Journeys of the future
In the densely urbanized city of the future, innovation is paramount, for the sake of both citizens and the environment. We need to allow more space for cyclists, pedestrians and public transportation. More room for inspiring adventures and meetings. Shops, cafés, green areas, workplaces and homes must all be accommodated for.
In this new cityscape, the tramway will be the obvious way to get around and as a part of the sustainable mobility solutions that a vibrant Uppsala will provide. This is the infrastructure of the future.
Read more about Uppsala Tramway
High capacity
In 2050 and beyond, the demand for public transportation is expected to reach 100,000 per day. A capacity that only rail vehicles can handle effectively. Additionally, a tramway requires relatively little space which makes it particularly appropriate in densely built cities.
Good for urban development
The tramway is evidence of our long-term desire to develop attractive urban environments and good communications. Furthermore, it provides good conditions for growth as it creates opportunities for more workplaces, homes and shops.
Sustainable
A tramway is powered by electricity which helps reduce carbon emissions. Electric power is energy-efficient and consumption per traveler is low. In addition, no particles are thrown up from the street ensuring a cleaner street environment. Both the infrastructure and the vehicles have a long-life expectancy.
Comfortable
Tramway vehicles are both very comfortable and easily accessible. The tramway runs on a fixed route, making it easy for new passengers to find the stops.
The planned tramway route will start from a new station at Bergsbrunna, over the Fyris River to Ultuna and Gottsunda. From Gottsunda it will run towards Uppsala Central Station via Rosendal and from Ultuna it will go to Ulleråker and then towards Uppsala Central Station. Important sites as the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala Science Park and Uppsala University Hospital will be served by the tramway.
The final route will be agreed upon during the detailed planning stage.
View the map in a larger format
Track length:
17 kilometres, double track.
Stops:
22
Vehicle length:
30-45 metres.
Suggested routes:
Bergsbrunna – Gottsunda – Uppsala C
Bergsbrunna – Ultuna – Uppsala C
Anticipated journeys:
Approximately 100.000 per day by 2050
(at present, around 15 000 journeys are made on the most popular bus route)
The timetable is as follows:
2020
In-depth studies have been carried out to assess the feasibility of tramway for the proposed routes. The studies include general design, stop positions, traffic concepts, vehicle concepts, power supply and so on.
2021
A consultation on the detailed plan for the tramway has been conducted. Comments have been received and the municipality has continued to work on updating the detailed plan for the next phase.
Decision on whether to build the tramway or not was made in December 2021. The decision is conditional on co-financing from the state.
2022
The permit process begins. Uppsala kommun and Region Uppsala will together apply for government co-funding of the tramway project through the Environmental Agreement Act.
The process of the detail plan continues and the process for the detailed plan for the depo starts.
The plan forward
2023–2028
Ongoing work on the tramway and rail depot. Several stages will take place simultaneously.
2029
Tramway is to be brought into service.
2034
Completion of the two new inter-city rail tracks between Uppsala and Bergsbrunna.
Costs
Studies in 2021 have shown that the investment of Uppsala tramway is estimated at 6.1 billion SEK (in price level 2021). The cost estimate includes for example streets, double tracks along the entire stretch of 17 km, redirection of utilities and stop sites. Other examples are new bridges, water protection measures and new bicycles lanes.
In addition to the above estimated cost for the infrastructure, there is a cost estimate for depot and vehicles of approximately 2.1 billion (in price level 2018).
Financing
A tramway is a large investment but not something that a city or region need to pay entirely by themselves. The state grants financial support to cover up to half of the construction costs of the infrastructure. The Uppsala Region is responsible for financing depot and vehicles.