Alstom to supply 21 Citadis tramsets and ground-level power-supply system (APS) to Tours metropolitan area as part of contract worth 73 million

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The modular nature of Citadis meant that Alstom
Transport’s Design&Styling teams were able to adapt
the “Ensemble la ligne” line-package concept
developed by the RCP design agency. The tramsets’ outer
cladding will be mirror-like so as to reflect the surrounding
urban environment. The front section expresses the general
concept of a "cursor,” with two luminous vertical strips
that rise up, aligned with the rails, as though the tramway
were lifting them up as it moves forward.

The inside fittings are modern, fluid and comfortable, with
lighting levels that are automatically raised or lowered
depending on the light outside, with softer lighting in summer
and warmer lighting in winter. Designed to offer optimal
onboard quality of life plus maximum passenger comfort,
Alstom’s Citadis trams feature platform-height floors,
air conditioning, a CCTV system and onboard audio and visual
information. Each tramset will be 43 metres in length and can
accommodate over 380 passengers (the equivalent of five buses).

Alstom’s ground-level power-supply system is thoroughly
consistent with the Tours project’s requirement that the
urban environment and the region’s historical heritage be
preserved. A third rail, recessed into the track, provides
power to the tramsets, making it possible to do without
catenaries over a distance of 1.8 km between Place Choiseul and
Tours station and helping to protect the environment as well.
Not only is the tramway 98% recyclable, but its composite
materials and improved traction system mean that it consumes
10% less energy than a traditional tram. In Kwh per seated
passenger, a Citadis consumes one-quarter the energy of a bus
and one-tenth that of a car. Four times quieter than motor
traffic, generating about five decibels less noise, it also
improves a city’s quality of life.

The Tours metropolitan area will be receiving trams that have
proven their value on the market: the Citadis tramway now sets
the global performance benchmark. To date, a total of 1,468
Citadis tramsets have been ordered by 36 cities around the
world, while a further 60 cities have tram projects in the
pipeline. In addition, the ground-level power-supply system,
which has been in use since 2003 in Bordeaux, is now completely
reliable thanks to feedback on more than 7 million km
travelled. The APS ground-level power-supply system has been
chosen by transport companies in Angers, Bordeaux, Brasilia,
Dubai, Orleans and Reims.

About Alstom Transport France
With operations at nine sites throughout France, Alstom
Transport is the leading manufacturing company in the French
rail sector and contributes to the dynamism of local economies.
Alstom’s 8,800 employees in France provide expertise to
both French and international customers, and one job at Alstom
creates about three jobs for its suppliers.

About Alstom Transport
With a focus on sustainable transport, Alstom Transport
develops and offers the most complete range of systems,
equipment and services on the rail market. The company is
capable of managing entire transport systems, including rolling
stock, signalling and infrastructure, and also provides
complete turnkey solutions. In 2009-2010, Alstom Transport
recorded sales of €5.8 billion. Alstom Transport has a
presence in more than 60 countries and employs some 27,000
people.

Press contact
Laurent Gerbet

Tel.: +33 (0)1 57 06 92 83

laurent.gerbet@transport.alstom.com

Website:www.transport.alstom.com