Alstom to supply new Citadis trams for Lyon’s public transport network

7 September 2018 – Alstom has signed a framework contract with SYTRAL (Syndicat des Transports de l'Agglomération Lyonnaise) for the supply of 43-metre-long Citadis trams. The first firm order of this agreement concerns the supply of 11 trams for a total amount of over 40 million euros^[1]. Other orders may be placed through this contract depending on SYTRAL’s future requirements. The 11 trams will run on line T4 of the Lyon agglomeration’s tramway network, thus increasing the capacity of the line. The first tram will be delivered at the end of 2019.

The design of these new trams will be identical to the 92 trams currently running on the Lyon network, while benefiting from a return-on-experience of 17 years of operation of the Citadis range. The front end has been entirely redesigned to conform to the new STRMTG[2] guidelines introduced in 2016. The challenge was to improve visibility and comfort for the driver, while preserving the spirit of the Lyon tram’s original design (the nose in the shape of a silkworm).

“We are delighted to win this contract which presents a technical challenge: to develop the front end of the tram while preserving the spirit of the original design. This order demonstrates Alstom's ability to offer tried-and-tested products, customised to meet the specific needs of its customers while complying with the regulations in force. With 92 Citadis trams in operation, the Lyon network is a real showcase of French and Alstom expertise,” said Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, Senior Vice President of Alstom in France.

With a total length of 43 metres, the new Citadis trams will be able to accommodate up to 300 passengers each, the equivalent of more than 3 buses. Citadis offers optimum onboard journey quality with a fully low floor, air conditioning, a video surveillance system and audio-visual information. Citadis is up to 98% recyclable, thus helping to preserve the environment.

These new Citadis trams will be designed and manufactured on the Alstom site of La Rochelle, France. The other French sites involved in the project are Aix-en-Provence for the speed sensing equipment, Le Creusot for the bogies, Tarbes for the traction system equipment, Villeurbanne for on-board electronics and passenger information system and Valenciennes for the maintenance equipment and supplies.

In total, more than 2,500 Citadis trams have been sold to more than 50 cities in 20 countries.

[1] Booked in the 1st quarter of the fiscal year 2018-2019.

[2] The STRMTG is a government agency with a national remit, attached to the Directorate-General for Infrastructure, Transport and the Sea (DGITM) which reports to the Ministry for an Ecological and Solidarity Transition.