Škoda Transtech vs. Stadler: Helsinki Tram Tender Controversy

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Introduction

Škoda Transtech has filed a formal complaint with the Finnish Market Court following its exclusion from the Helsinki tram tender by Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport (Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne) on 6 October 2025. The company alleges the decision was discriminatory and violated fair competition principles.

Procurement Decision

On 6 October 2025, Helsinki Metropolitan Area Urban Transport excluded Škoda Transtech from the Helsinki tram tender, accepting only one offer. Stadler Polska was subsequently selected as the supplier without evaluating or comparing other offers.

Škoda Transtech’s Claims

Škoda Transtech stated that Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport cited three main grounds for exclusion. The company believes these were superficial to exclude it from a proper evaluation and comparison of tender offers. Škoda Transtech suggests its offer was more favorable, particularly if evaluated based on criteria like Life Cycle Costs for the trams. The procurement decision is subject to approval by the city councils of Helsinki and Vantaa to increase the budget allocated to this tender, potentially indicating Stadler Polska’s price exceeds the initial budget and Škoda Transtech’s offer.

Company Statement

Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, stated that tenders should be competitive, allowing customers to compare price, life-cycle costs, and overall value. He asserted that excluding an offer at the end of a two-year process without evaluation violates equality, fairness, and competition principles.

Tender Details

Škoda Transtech claims its offer fully complied with requirements and was within the budget, utilizing verified Finnish technology. The Helsinki tram tender, launched in 2023, sought up to 63 units to replace the existing fleet and support expanding infrastructure. The tender, published on the TED platform, specified 30 unidirectional trams (Tram Type A) for Helsinki’s inner city and 33 bidirectional trams (Tram Type B) for new tramways in Helsinki and Vantaa, as well as existing lines. The successful bidder must also supply spare parts, technical support, and maintenance services. The estimated tender value was EUR 1.6 billion.

The contract includes an option for up to 40 additional unidirectional Tram Type A units and up to 80 bidirectional Tram Type B units. A technical option for bidirectional trams allows catenary-free operation for up to 1 kilometre. The purchase agreement is valid for 10 years for additional tram orders. The support agreement spans 30 years from the warranty end of the last delivered tram, extendable twice by five years each.

Conclusion

Škoda Transtech has contested its exclusion from the Helsinki tram tender, citing concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process. The tender, valued at EUR 1.6 billion, aimed to replace existing trams and provide new ones for expanding infrastructure.

Company Summary

Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport (Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne): The entity responsible for the Helsinki tram tender.

Škoda Group: The company whose CEO is Petr Novotný.

Škoda Transtech: The company that submitted a formal complaint to the Finnish Market Court regarding its exclusion from the Helsinki tram tender.

Stadler Polska: The company selected as the supplier in the Helsinki tram tender.

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