Lausanne automatic metro: a showcase for Alstoms
technology

The aim of the visit was to strengthen public buy-in to the
project. Matthias Handschin, Managing Director of Alstom
Transport in Switzerland, took advantage of the occasion to
present Alstom Transports range of activities and
explain its positioning in the Swiss market. Michael Joye,
director of Lausannes public transport company, followed
by presenting the project and the impact that the new metro
line will have on the city. The new metro should reduce traffic
by 6000 cars a day and cut down travel time, while allowing
maximum comfort and safety.

This line called m2, the first automatic metro line in
Switzerland, will measure 6 kilometres. It will link Ouchy, to
the south of the city, with the northern district of Epalinges.
The maximum gradient of the metro is 12%, a world record for
this category of rolling stock. The contracts signed by Alstom,
worth a total of 150 million, cover: the supply of 15
train sets, laying of the track with electrical power supply,
installation of the signalling and automatic control systems,
and maintenance.

So far, all trains have been delivered and the tracks laid. The
automatic mechanism is currently being tested on a section of
the line, entry into commercial service of which is scheduled
for Autumn 2008.