Operational Deployment of an Automated Tram Feeder in Tampere
Image by metaCCAZE Project
The Tampere Living Lab stands out as a trailblazer under metaCCAZE, demonstrating how automated mobility can move from pilot testing to real-world public transport operations.
Implemented through close cooperation between Tampere University, the City of Tampere and industry partner Remoted, the initiative builds on the city’s strong track record in automated bus deployments, drawing on valuable experience in safety management, stakeholder coordination and public acceptance.
 Tampere’s use case focuses on a tram feeder service supported by an advanced Remote Control Centre and automated charging infrastructure. Designed to connect residential areas with the tram network, the service operates as an integrated part of Tampere’s public transport system rather than as a stand-alone demonstration, with a clear emphasis on operational realism and long-term integration from the outset.
Extensive preparation took place well before the vehicle arrived in Tampere. This included procuring a vehicle compliant with operational and regulatory requirements, selecting a pilot route based on demand and safety considerations, and preparing integration with the NYSSE regional public transport system. In parallel, remote operation systems were established to enable real-time monitoring, supervision and intervention during automated vehicle operations.
Following delivery, the focus shifted to final operational setup. The vehicle was upgraded with additional cameras, automated passenger counting, two-way communication and ticketing systems to support commercial operation. Both technical readiness and passenger-facing aspects, such as vehicle appearance and user perception, were carefully considered. These enhancements also create the conditions for future demonstrations of higher levels of automation by strengthening perception capabilities and system redundancy.
L3-level automated operations commenced on 17 November 2025 on the Lintuhytti–Hervantajärvi route. The service operates under supervised automation, with a safety operator onboard and additional oversight provided through remote supervision. This approach reflects current regulatory and technical frameworks and enables automated driving functions to be tested and validated under real public transport conditions.
The tram feeder service is fully integrated into Tampere’s public transport ecosystem. Passengers can plan their journeys and access the service through the NYSSE application and existing ticketing system, ensuring a seamless experience consistent with other public transport services. Operating initially at a frequency of two trips per hour—with plans to increase to four trips per hour in spring, subject to performance and demand—the service is visible in the public journey planner, reinforcing transparency and accessibility.
Automated charging forms a key component of the use case. A robotic arm–based charging solution, which has performed well in laboratory environments, is being tested under real operating conditions. While some challenges have emerged during repetitive charging cycles and implementation depends on manufacturer approvals, the infrastructure provides a strong foundation for continued development and future deployment.
Early operational data collected by the end of January 2026 indicate stable and reliable performance. Over 71 days of operation, the shuttle completed 1,995 trips, served 1,632 passengers and recorded no safety-critical incidents. The vehicle accumulated 2,707 operational kilometres and 214 operational hours, with a high share of trips conducted in automated mode. Energy consumption and charging performance were closely monitored, providing valuable input for ongoing optimisation.
Remote monitoring plays a central role in daily operations. Live camera feeds are supervised from the Remote Control Centre, adding an independent situational awareness layer to onboard systems. A future stakeholder observation layer is planned to provide secure, read-only access to selected live feeds for project partners and researchers, while fully ensuring safety and data protection.
Evaluation and learning are supported through systematic data collection and user engagement. A pre-pilot survey targeted local residents via postal and online channels, achieving a considerable response rate. Passenger surveys conducted in January combined in-person interviews and online questionnaires, exploring service perception, accessibility, travel behaviour, safety, trust and acceptance. A follow-up survey is planned for a later phase, including operations without an onboard safety operator once additional vehicles are deployed.
Unlike traditional pilots, the Tampere deployment is embedded within the public transport system and operates as a routine service rather than a time-limited demonstration. By running on a fixed route, using existing ticketing and journey planning systems and serving everyday passengers, the initiative generates practical experience under real operating conditions. It provides regulators with concrete evidence on supervised automation in practice, supports procurement models focused on commercial operational services, and enables public acceptance to be assessed through repeated, everyday use. Together, these elements represent a significant step towards integrating automated mobility into regular urban transport services across Europe.
