Alstom delivers the first Citadis tramset for Line 3 of the Montpellier tramway

On 28 June, Jean-Pierre Mourre, President of the Communauté dAgglomération de Montpellier unveiled the first Citadis tramset for Line 3 of the Montpellier tramway in the presence of designer Christian Lacroix and François Dhulst, Alstom Transports Local Authorities Key Accounts Director. The tramset left the Alstom site in La Rochelle on Tuesday 21 June.
In 2009, Montpellier entrusted the contract for the supply of 24 tramsets to Alstom Transport: 19 for Line 3 and five more to increase the existing fleets on Lines 1 and 2. Following previous orders for Lines 1 and 2, the contract underlines the confidence of Montpellier in Alstom Transports ability to help develop its urban transport development policy.

The colourful and original design of the new tramway is based on a water theme. It also complements the swallows of Line 1 and the flowers of Line 2, which have an Earth theme. The management and planning of the design for Line 3 were supervised by Alstom Transports Design & Styling division. The goal was to provide detailed solutions fully reflecting the wishes of Montpellier, and to stay in keeping with the general architecture of the Citadis tramway, based on expertise in design, digital modelling, materials and lighting.

Trams in Montpellier are fitted with the latest range of Citadis equipment to enhance passenger comfort, including closed-circuit video surveillance, sound and visual information systems, and integral low floors. Each tramset is 42 metres long and can accommodate over 300 passengers. The Citadis also enhances the quality of city life: four times quieter than motor traffic, it generates about five decibels less noise.

The tramsets for Montpellier are currently designed and assembled at Alstoms plant in La Rochelle. Five other sites will also be involved in manufacturing the trams. Tarbes will provide electrical and electronic equipment for the traction systems, Ornans the engines, Le Creusot the bogies, and Villeurbanne and Saint Ouen the onboard electronics.

Almost 20 kilometres long, Line 3 of the tramway has 23 stations from the west of the urban area to the south, crossing the urban districts of Juvignac, Montpellier, Lattes and Pérols.
Startup is scheduled for spring 2012.

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. Alstoms 8,700 employees in France provide expertise to both French and international customers, and one job at Alstom creates some three jobs for its suppliers.

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 can manage an entire transport system, from rolling stock to signalling and infrastructure, and offers turnkey solutions. In 2010-2011, Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.6 billion. Alstom Transport is present in more than 60 countries with 26,000 employees.

Press contacts

Stéphanie Berna
Tel.: +33 (0)6 89 06 26 07
Stepahnie.berna@transport.asltom.com
 

• Citadis tramways