Alstom to supply 21 Citadis tramsets and ground-level power-supply system (APS) to Tours metropolitan area

SITCAT, the transport union for the Tours metropolitan area (France), has selected Alstom to supply 21 Citadis tramsets and its wireless ground-level power-supply system. The contract is worth a total of 73 million.

The modular nature of Citadis meant that Alstom Transports 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, Alstoms 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).

Alstoms ground-level power-supply system is thoroughly consistent with the Tours projects requirement that the urban environment and the regions 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 citys 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
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.

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• Transport Press Release 4.7