2nd Public Transport Trade-Fair - ALSTOM places passengers
at the heart of innovation
2nd Public Transport Trade-Fair - ALSTOM places passengers
at the heart of innovation
Press Contacts
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Eco-design : designing trains that protect the
environment
ALSTOM has committed to integrate environmental factors into
the design of its products to control and reduce their
environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from
manufacture to recycling. This approach has allowed ALSTOM
to:
- Improve the recyclability of its trains thanks to the use
of reusable materials such as steel, aluminium or copper.
ALSTOM also carries out research to use bio-materials,
originating from renewable resources such as wood or hemp.
This recyclability has now reached a minimum of 85% and can
go as high as 95.2% for the TER 2NNG double-deck regional
train. - Reduce noise pollution both inside and outside the train
by using insulating materials and by optimising the
wheel-rail contact through the use of acoustic
shock-absorbers. This approach has reduced the interior noise
level in the ALSTOM METROPOLISTM metro by 7 decibels over 10
years. - Reduce energy consumption. The use of composite
materials, improved traction system efficiency and
articulated train architecture has allowed for a 10%
reduction of mass and energy consumption.
On-board energy systems: supporting urban integration
Today the tramway can no longer simply be considered
as a means of transport. For local authorities, it is also a
means to think about their town in new ways and at the same
time add value to their architectural heritage. To foster
this trend, ALSTOM is committed to conducting research and
development on solutions that allow the tram to blend
harmoniously into its urban environment.
ALSTOM is currently the only producer pursuing the
development a range of totally innovative
wireless solutions that represent a real
technology breakthrough with respect to classical
power-supply methods.- APS (Alimentation Par le Sol : ground-level power
supply) is a power supply system that makes use of
a third rail embedded in the tracks. The Bordeaux
Metropolitan Area is the first city in the world to have
opted for this totally innovative technology. - The battery is an autonomous on-board
solution that allows the tram to operate in urban areas
without overhead cables over distances under one kilometre.
This technology was developed as a world-first on
ALSTOMs CITADISTM tram in Nice: the historical
character of the Masséna and Garibaldi squares can
thus be preserved. - The inertia flywheel allows the tram to
generate its own completely renewable power by recuperating
the energy produced during braking. The inertia flywheel,
developed in partnership with CCM (Center for Concepts in
Mechatronics) and tested under real-life operating
conditions since 2005 on the ALSTOM CITADIS tram in
Rotterdam, innovates through its use of electro-magnetics.
The system consists of a rotating mass positioned on the
trams roof, which functions like a spinning top. The
kinetic energy stored during braking is then returned to
the traction system at the next acceleration. The system is
charged whenever the tram brakes or via an
additional fast charging system at each station. The use of
the energy stored on board therefore allows a considerable
reduction in electrical power consumption, with a system
lifetime that is equivalent to that of the tram
itself.
Information and video surveillance: ensuring
passenger security
For ALSTOM, innovation for people also means strengthening
passenger security.
ALSTOM has therefore developed a unique on-board surveillance
and passenger information system: AgateTM e-Media. More than
just a video-surveillance security system, AGATE e-MEDIA also
offers a high added-value service for passenger
communication. Passengers receive real-time information on
trip time, station waiting time, repairs, line incidents,
etc. The operator can also use this system to promote its
products and services or as interactive advertising space.
These are all aspects that increase the comfort and
attractiveness of public transport.
ALSTOM is also working on a research and development project
in the area of passenger security: surveillance by passenger
behaviour analysis. This technology allows the detection of
abnormal situations (shouts, attacks, fights, etc.) inside
the cars thanks to latest generation on-board equipment
(cameras, microphones, loudspeakers, GPS receivers, etc.).
The operator can therefore intervene real-time and take
appropriate measures according to the situation.Design and comfort: making the train a living space
for all
The quality of life on board is a priority for ALSTOM.
Everything is done at the design stage to make the trip more
pleasant and comfortable: ergonomic seats, materials, new
colours and lighting.
A frontrunner in accessibility for reduced-mobility
passengers, ALSTOM addresses train and inter-car access right
from the design phase: more access doors, low floors along
the length of the train, no gap between platform and train
thanks to thresholds and mobile steps. Everything is
designed to facilitate life on board and to make the train a
living space for all:- Specific equipment: toilets, lifts, dedicated areas,
grip bars and ramps designed and positioned to promote flow
and movement. - Access to information: audio messages, dynamic line
maps, sound and visual alarms for door closing, flashing
door buttons that can be identified by touch.
To improve passenger comfort further and to prepare for
future trends, ALSTOM has teamed up with RCP, a design firm,
to develop the sensorial design in trains. This approach
consists of harnessing all five passenger senses through the
feel of materials, colours, sounds, odours, temperature or
lighting. Based on an overall assessment of passenger
perception for all sensorial aspects, ALSTOM and RCP then
define specific work areas for existing equipment such
as:- Tactile perception of grip bars to make them more
pleasant to the touch. - Auditory perception of door opening/closing sound
alarms. - Olfactory perception of textiles and seats, which
absorb odours and release perfumes. - Visual perception by adjusting colour associations and
light variations.
Contacts:
Clotilde Provost
Tel.: + 33 (0)1 41 66 91 43
clotilde.provost@transport.alstom.comPauline Rey
Tel.: + 33 (0)1 41 66 83 85
pauline.rey@transport.alstom.comEric Lenoir
Tel.: + 33 (0)1 41 66 98 74
eric.lenoir@transport.alstom.com - APS (Alimentation Par le Sol : ground-level power