Lausanne's m2 metro goes into commercial service

This 6 km-long "urban lift" serves 14 stations, connecting
the banks of Lake Leman to the heights of the city in 18
minutes, swallowing up a height differential of 338 metres
between the two terminals.


The m2 will carry 25 million passengers a year, with maximum
comfort, speed and safety. It provides connections to the
urban, regional and national rail network.



As part of the project, allocated on the basis of an invitation
to tender in 2002, in addition to the rolling stock Alstom has
supplied the URBALIS signalling system, the on-board video
surveillance and passenger information system, and the
electrification of the line. Alstom has also worked with the
customer's teams on management of the entire transport system.
Alstom will be responsible for maintaining the rolling stock
for a period of five years.


About Alstom Transport

With sustainable transport in mind, Alstom Transport
develops and offers the most complete range of systems,
equipment and services on the rail market. Alstom Transport is
capable of managing an entire transport system, from rolling
stock to signalling and infrastructure, as well as offering
turnkey solutions. In 2007-2008, Alstom Transport's turnover
was 5.5 billion and its orders increased by 39% over the
previous financial year. Alstom Transport is present in over 60
countries and has 26,000 employees. The company recruited 3,000
engineers and executives worldwide in 2007 and expects to hire
a similar number in 2008.


Press contact:

Laurent Gerbet


Tel. + 33 1 41 66 92.83 / +33 6 88 06 61 85


laurent.gerbet@transport.alstom.com