Metro to be modernised in the Helsinki metropolitan area – collaboration with contractors to begin
Ageing systems in the Helsinki metropolitan area metro will be modernised over the coming years. Agreements with the contractors of the train control system and the radio network have now been signed, and cooperation with the contractors will begin at the start of 2026. The modernisation will be carried out as part of the Metro Capacity and Reliability Improvement Project (METKA).
The metro currently relies on several original systems that have been in operation for over 40 years. The upgraded train control system and a new radio network will ensure that metro services remain reliable and safe in the future as well. The traffic control system, consisting of the train control system and the radio network, is expected to be completed in the early 2030s.
CAF Group (CAF Signalling SL and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A) was selected as the supplier of the train control system, while Telia Finland Oy was chosen as the supplier of the radio network. Changes to the existing signalling system will be implemented by Mipro Oy. The procurement decisions were made by the Boards of Directors of Kaupunkiliikenne Oy (Helsinki City Transport Ltd.) and Länsimetro Oy, as well as the Board of Governors of the City of Helsinki Transport Department. The decisions were based on the quality scores received by the service providers in the tendering process and the estimated life-cycle costs. Life-cycle costs refer to the procurement price and the costs incurred by the system over the following fifteen years.
“We at the METKA project are very much looking forward to working with the contractors . Together with our expert partners, we can ensure that the Helsinki metropolitan area metro will continue to operate safely and reliably, while enabling an increase in capacity,” says Heikki Viika, Programme Director of the METKA project.
The modernisations are being carried out as part of the METKA project. METKA, or the Metro Capacity and Reliability Improvement Programme, is a joint initiative by Kaupunkiliikenne Oy, HKL (Helsinki City Transport), HSL, Länsimetro Oy, and the City of Espoo. The project involves renewing ageing metro systems that are nearing the end of their life cycle, while ensuring safe and reliable metro operations going forward. The upgrades will also enable shorter service intervals, responding to growing passenger numbers on the metro in the future.