Residents Push for Safer Stops, More Trees in Lielahti–Ylöjärvi Tram Plans

Public events and an online map survey on the proposed Lielahti–Ylöjärvi tram line recently drew 133 meeting participants and 208 questionnaire respondents, following an earlier consultation in September that introduced the draft plans. The map survey collected 497 comments from a broad range of users.

Ylöjärvi city development manager Mari Ruissalo welcomed the response. "Residents showed interest in the Lielahti–Ylöjärvi project by attending events and responding to the map survey. We received diverse feedback, and we will use it to finalise the project plan," she said. The consultation was organised by Tampereen Raitiotie Oy and the cities of Tampere and Ylöjärvi.

Many comments focused on stop locations and connections. In Tampere, residents asked for a stop near the Turvesuonkatu and Myllypuronkatu intersection or close to the municipal border bridge to serve Ryydynpohja, Lamminpää and Vihattula. The plan already reserves a stop by Myllypuronkatu that could be built later if local housing and jobs increase. A stop at the border bridge is not feasible because of the bridge's curvature and steep height differences. In Ylöjärvi, debate centred on the proposed single Soppeenmäki stop, which is intended to serve as a key bus–tram interchange.

Safety and smooth traffic flow were recurring themes. Respondents raised concerns about the continuity and safety of walking and cycling routes, with Soppeenmäki residents particularly flagging schoolchildren's routes. The project team plans to add guiding rails and fences where needed and will study cycleway edge details. Each tram stop is planned to include at least 40 bicycle parking spaces.

Drivers named Kuruntie and the area in front of Lielahti Prisma as congestion hotspots, and raised worries about traffic lights and parking. Project simulations using forecast traffic volumes indicate overall functioning should remain reasonable. To ease pinch points, planners will add a traffic lane on Turvesuonkatu by the tram stop. Park-and-ride proposals for Leijapuisto, Teivo and Soppeenmäki will be refined during later traffic and land-use planning.

Respondents also urged more street greenery and preservation of existing trees, especially in Ryydynpohja; planners aim to keep mature trees and add new planting where possible. Most respondents believed the tram would make daily travel easier and improve mobility, though some criticised costs and potential effects on car traffic and on the development of bus and commuter-rail services. The project plan is due in April 2027. Implementation design is scheduled for 2029–2031, construction for 2032–2035, and tram operations could begin from 2036 onward.