Uppsala tramway plan has cleared a major delivery step, putting the city closer to a 17 km double-track light rail system with 22 planned stops. The municipal executive board approved Project Directive 4.0 for Uppsala spårväg on 6 May 2026, shifting the project from earlier planning toward implementation, testing, handover and passenger service.
What did Uppsala approve in the tramway plan?
Uppsala approved the updated delivery framework for building and opening the tramway. In simple terms, Project Directive 4.0 is the city’s working instruction for the next phase: how Uppsala Municipality and Region Uppsala continue the project, prepare operations, manage risks and move toward traffic start. The decision was politically contested, but the board approved the directive rather than sending it back or rejecting it.
Uppsala tramway quick facts
| Key question | Clear answer |
|---|---|
| How long is the Uppsala tramway? | 17 km, double track |
| How many stops are planned? | 22 stops |
| Main route idea | Bergsbrunna, Gottsunda, Ultuna, Ulleråker, Rosendal and Uppsala C |
| First passenger service | First stage planned for 2029, or as soon as conditions allow |
| Full system opening | Linked to the future Bergsbrunna railway station |
| Long-term travel target | About 100,000 boardings per weekday by 2050 |
The official tramway plan says the route will connect a new station at Bergsbrunna with Ultuna, Gottsunda, Ulleråker, Rosendal and Uppsala Central Station, serving places such as the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala Science Park and Uppsala University Hospital.
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When will the Uppsala tramway open?
The first stage is planned to open in 2029, with the full system following when Bergsbrunna’s new railway station is ready. The first stage covers the section from central Uppsala to Skåneplan, while the second stage extends the system toward Bergsbrunna.
A smart reader should note one important detail: 2029 is still a target, not a guarantee. Uppsala Municipality has confirmed that ongoing court and permit processes, including issues linked to detailed plans, species protection and the planned bridge over the Fyris River, can affect timing.
How much will the Uppsala tramway cost?
The official investment estimate is SEK 12.1 billion at 2024 price level. Uppsala Municipality’s share is listed at SEK 7.5 billion, Region Uppsala’s depot investment at SEK 1.5 billion, and Swedish state support at SEK 3.1 billion through agreements.
The state funding timeline has also been eased. Trafikverket approved an extension of the urban environment agreement’s end date from 2029 to 2032, meaning state co-financing can still be paid out after 2029 if the project is delayed by legal or permit processes.
Why is Uppsala building a tram instead of only adding buses?
The tram is meant to handle long-term growth that buses may struggle to absorb. Earlier project material says Bus Rapid Transit could meet short-term capacity needs, but tramway capacity was judged necessary for Uppsala’s longer-term travel demand.
Picture a normal morning trip from Uppsala C to the hospital area, Ultuna or a growing southern district. Today, a small delay can ripple through bus queues and mixed traffic. A fixed tram corridor is designed to make that trip easier to understand, easier to repeat and less dependent on road congestion.
What should residents and visitors do during construction?
Plan for street changes before they surprise you. The most practical advice is:
- Check stop changes before leaving, especially around Uppsala C, Rosendal, Gottsunda and Ultuna.
- Add extra time for hospital, university and station trips when roadworks move between sections.
- Do not assume your usual bus stop will stay in place during utility relocation or street rebuilding.
- Use cycling and walking detours early, not at the last minute. The project includes new cycle lanes and pedestrian routes, but construction phases will still feel messy.
What trams will Uppsala use?
Region Uppsala has signed for 20 trams, with options for up to 18 more. The agreement involves Region Uppsala, AB Transitio and Skoda Transtech Oy, and includes a 12-year maintenance arrangement. The procurement placed demands on accessibility, environmental performance and social sustainability.
The bottom line for travelers
Uppsala’s tramway is no longer just a future map. The approved directive, the extended funding window and the signed tram agreement all point toward a real system taking shape. The honest view is simple: the tramway can make southern Uppsala easier to reach, but the construction years will require patience, clear public updates and good temporary travel planning.
Trusted sources used
Official Uppsala Municipality tramway facts and financing page.
Uppsala Municipality project directive and board minutes.
Uppsala Municipality state co-financing update.
Region Uppsala tram procurement update.
NYAB project scope and construction details.
