The Citadis tram for Rabat-Sale makes its initial
run

March 30
^th marked the start of dynamic testing of the
Citadis tram destined for the transport network in Rabat-Sale,
the first city in Morocco to install a modern tram system. The
first of 22 double units manufactured for the Société
du Tramway de Rabat-Salé (STRS) made its initial run on a
test track located in the Hay Karima district of Sale. The
launch of this phase of tests comes in the wake of STRSs
electrification of an initial section of the overhead contact
line and Alstoms delivery of the trainset on the 18
^th of March. The goal is to test the interface between the rolling
stock, the catenary system and the track. Traction, braking and
speed performance will also be verified. Testing will be
conducted along the entire network as construction is completed
and will involve each of the Citadis trainsets. The agreement
signed in May 2008 calls for final delivery during the first
quarter of 2011. These Citadis trams have been specially designed for
Rabat-Sale and feature both the proven equipment that is
standard on all Citadis trams and a number of customized
elements, including the design of the drivers cabin, the
livery and the interior fittings. Alstoms
Design&Styling studio drew its inspiration from Moroccan
culture and Rabats artistic heritage. The art of Zellige
terra cotta tilework, and specifically a pattern used on a
fountain at Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, is deployed in a
harmonious blend of shapes and colours on the exterior livery.
This motif reappears in fresco form on the ceiling of each
vehicle and on the fabric used on the seats.Moroccos first tram is notable for its capacity.
Each double unit offers 118 seats and 12 doors on each side and
can accommodate some500 passengers. The trams are expected to carry 180,000
users each day along a network of two lines that connects 31
stations and extends about 20 km in length. Accessibility and
passenger comfort were given especially close attention. The
trainsets are level with the platforms to ensure easy access,
especially for people with reduced mobility. The seats, glass
windows, air conditioning, wide aisles and passenger
information displays in French and Arabic ensure pleasant
travel conditions. Like every Citadis, the Rabat-Sale trams
have been designed so that STRS can offer efficient, safe,
reliable and punctual transport service.To date 1382 Citadis trams have been ordered by 34 cities
worldwide. Citadis units have travelled over 35 million km and
carried more than 500 million passengers since 2000.   

About Alstom Transport

Present in Morocco for over 40
years, Alstom is helping to make the countrys rail network
a viable mode of transport for freight and passengers in the
future and a key component of the countrys growth and
development. Alstom has already supplied 27 electric locomotives
to Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) since 1992, while 20
next-generation Primas are currently being delivered. Alstom has
also helped improve the Moroccan rail network by doubling the
tracks on the Fez-Meknes line, in service since June 2007, and by
modernizing the signalling of 900 km of lines and 67 stations,
including Casablanca station. Moreover, Casablanca opted to
obtain 37 Citadis double units from Alstom in November 2009.
 Alstom is also the designated supplier of TGV
^TM(1) trainsets for the projected very high-speed link between
Tangiers and Kenitra, underscoring its role in supplying Morocco
with innovative and environmentally-friendly transport
solutions.As a promoter of sustainable
mobility, Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete
range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector.
Alstom Transport is capable of managing complete transport
systems comprising rolling stock, signalling equipment,
infrastructure and maintenance services. It also offers turnkey
solutions. Alstom Transport recorded revenues of 5.7 billion
euros in the 2008-09 financial year, with an increase in orders
of 9% over the previous year. Alstom Transport has 27,000
employees and a presence in more than 60 countries. 

Press contact

Karen Brouiller 

+33 (0) 1 57 06 18 42

+33 (0) 6 74 44 59 92 

karen.brouiller@transport.alstom.com

(1) TGV is a registered trademark of the
SNCF