The design of the upcoming Orléans tramway line
reflects the towns personality

The encounter between the worlds of beauty and
industry through the medium of design attests to the importance
Alstom Transport attaches to innovation, stressed Michel
Serra, Director of Alstom Transport France.



This unique design reflects the personality and vitality of the
city and its metropolitan area and builds on the image conveyed
by Frances Cosmetic Valley. It is the result of a joint
effort between Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlains Creative
Director and Alstom Transports Design & Styling
department that led to the definition of an inner harmony and
graphic style based on the ideas of canework and the make-up
trends. The starting points, says Echaudemaison,
was the ubiquitous caned armchair from which the locals
watch the Loire flow by and my experience of fashion and
colors.



On line B, the inhabitants of Orléans will enjoy the
comfort of a wider tram with rows of four seats, all facing the
same direction. The tram will also be more accessible thanks to
its low-floor design. In addition, it benefits from a
ground-level power supply system, which allows no catenaries
required to power the tram when it is used. This system has
been used for five years in Bordeaux and has since been
selected by the cities of Reims, Angers and Dubai.



The solution to the constant increase in travel by our
fellow citizens involves an integrated approach to public
transport, including trams and buses, as well as so-called
soft modes of transport. Cleo* is one of the
major components of this approach, which will allow the
reorganization of the urban areas it crosses, explained
Charles-Eric Lemaignen, President of the Orléans-Val de
Loire Metropolitan Area.


With this new design, it is a trustful 10-years-relationship
that goes on with Orleans Agglomération.
After an order for 21 Citadis trainsets with maintenance for
its first line, This new turnkey project contract was signed in
2006.



With this new line, 21 Citadis trams will cover over 11.8 km of
track, crossing five municipal districts with 25 stations. Some
59,000 passengers, a figure which represents 20% of the
population of the metropolitan area, will benefit from the
services of one tram every six minutes during rush hour.



Orléans currently has 30 bus lines and one 18-kilometre
tramway line.




*CLEO: Building the East-West Line