Helsinki Metro Awards CAF Major Modernization Contract

On January 28, 2026, the Helsinki metro took a decisive step toward the future of urban transportation. The Finnish capital’s metro network, operated and managed by Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, Helsinki City Transport, and Länsimetro Ltd, has awarded a contract worth over €60 million to the Spanish company CAF for a sweeping modernization of the system’s signalling infrastructure. This ambitious project will see the implementation of CAF’s state-of-the-art Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, called OPTIO, across the entire network.

For commuters in Helsinki and neighboring Espoo, this upgrade is more than just a technical improvement. The Helsinki metro, with its 43 kilometers of track and 30 stations, has been a backbone of public transit since its opening in 1982. Today, it carries more than 78 million passengers annually, a number expected to grow in the coming years. Meeting this demand, while ensuring reliability and efficiency, is at the heart of the modernization effort.

According to Railway Pro, the contract includes not only the overhaul of the signalling infrastructure but also the supply of a new control center and the modernization of the existing fleet of M300 metro trains. These trains, also supplied by CAF in recent years, will be equipped with the latest on-board CBTC systems, making them fully compatible with the new OPTIO platform. This comprehensive approach aims to increase the reliability of the network, enhance the degree of operational automation, and ultimately allow for more frequent train service.

The CBTC system represents a significant leap forward in train control technology. Unlike traditional signalling systems, CBTC leverages real-time data communications to precisely monitor and control train movements. This enables trains to run closer together safely, boosting capacity and reducing waiting times for passengers. The OPTIO system developed by CAF is designed to meet the specific needs of modern metro networks, and its deployment in Helsinki is expected to set a new benchmark for Scandinavian transit operations.

In a statement reported by Link Securities, the contract was described as "another significant step forward for CAF, as it reaffirms the company’s commitment to the railway signalling segment." Indeed, the company has been steadily expanding its footprint in the field of automatic metro operation, with the Helsinki project following closely on the heels of a similar contract for the Naples metro.

CAF’s relationship with the Helsinki metro is not new. Over the past several years, the company has supplied 25 metro trains to the network, building a foundation of trust and technical expertise. The decision to entrust CAF with the modernization of the entire signalling infrastructure is seen as a vote of confidence in the company’s capabilities and in the OPTIO system itself.

The modernization project will be rolled out gradually, with commercial operation of the new system scheduled to begin by the end of this decade. This phased approach is designed to minimize disruptions to daily service while ensuring that all aspects of the upgrade are thoroughly tested and integrated. For Helsinki’s transit authorities, the goal is clear: to deliver a metro system that is not only more reliable and efficient but also ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s urban mobility.

One of the key objectives of the project is to increase the frequency of trains on the network. As the city grows and passenger numbers rise, the ability to run trains at shorter intervals becomes increasingly important. By enhancing the degree of operational automation, the CBTC system will make it possible to safely operate more trains during peak hours, reducing crowding and improving the overall passenger experience.

The Helsinki metro’s modernization is part of a broader trend across Europe and beyond, as cities seek to upgrade aging infrastructure and adopt cutting-edge technologies. CAF, for its part, has made the Scandinavian region a strategic priority, with successful projects not only in Finland but also in neighboring countries. The company has delivered trains for the line connecting Oslo to the airport, supplied trams to Stockholm, Oslo, and Lund, and secured major contracts to provide new regional trains for Swedish operators Transitio AB and SJ AB.

The decision to select CAF’s OPTIO CBTC system follows a careful evaluation of the network’s needs and the available technological solutions. According to Railway Pro, the main aims include "modernizing the system to increase reliability and enhancing the degree of operational automation." The anticipated benefits are not limited to technical performance; they also extend to sustainability and long-term cost savings. Automated and more frequent trains can help reduce the carbon footprint of urban transport by making public transit a more attractive option for commuters.

For Helsinki residents, the impact of the modernization will be felt in everyday life. Shorter wait times, fewer delays, and more reliable service are all on the horizon. The new control center, another key component of the contract, will provide operators with a real-time overview of the entire network, enabling faster responses to incidents and more efficient management of train movements.

While the technical aspects of the upgrade are complex, the underlying motivation is simple: to provide a better, more sustainable transit system for the people of Helsinki and Espoo. With the city’s population projected to continue growing, the metro’s role as a vital link in the urban fabric is only set to increase.

The project also reflects a broader commitment to innovation and excellence in public transportation. By partnering with CAF and investing in the latest signalling technology, Helsinki is positioning itself as a leader in the field of urban mobility. The lessons learned from this modernization effort are likely to inform similar projects in other cities, both in Scandinavia and around the world.

As the Helsinki metro prepares to enter a new era, commuters, city officials, and industry observers alike will be watching closely. The successful implementation of the OPTIO CBTC system could serve as a model for other transit networks facing the twin challenges of growing demand and aging infrastructure.

For now, the focus is on the hard work ahead—planning, installation, testing, and, ultimately, delivering on the promise of a faster, smarter, and more reliable metro. With CAF at the helm, and a clear vision for the future, Helsinki’s metro is on track to set new standards for public transit in the region.

By the end of this decade, the city’s residents can expect a metro system that not only keeps pace with their needs but also sets a shining example for urban railways across Europe.