Alstom delivers the 130th Citadis tram to Bordeaux Métropole

11 February 2020 – Alstom has delivered the 130^th Citadis tram to its long-time customer Bordeaux Métropole, its historic customer. The city now has one of the largest tram fleets in France, having been ordered in four tranches beginning in 2000 and beginning passenger service in 2003.

This fleet consists of 118 trams of 44 metres in length and 12 trams of 33 metres. Each tram can accommodate between 218 and 300 passengers, the equivalent of more than three buses. Alstom's Citadis trams offer optimal on-board travel quality with a full low floor, air conditioning and a video-protection system, as well as audio and visual information. Up to 98% recyclable, Citadis trams help to preserve the environment.

The Bordeaux tram network consists of four lines, with a total length of 77 kilometres. 35 kilometres are equipped with the APS ground-level power supply technology. The Citadis trams are well loved by the city’s inhabitants, who appreciate their accessibility and acknowledge that they have transformed the urban landscape. The Bordeaux tram network is one of the busiest in France, carrying more than 100 million passengers per year.

"The celebration of this delivery is a proud moment for the Alstom teams and for me, as it brings the fleet of Citadis trams in Bordeaux Métropole up to 130 and bears witness to the trust our customer has placed in us over the past 20 years,” said François Papin, Director of Alstom's site at La Rochelle, Alstom's centre of excellence for trams.

All the Citadis trams (33 and 44 metres) of Bordeaux Métropole are equipped to be compatible with the APS system, which has since been implemented on numerous tram systems, including those of Reims, Tours, Dubai, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro.

Bordeaux Métropole was the first customer to place its trust in Alstom's new power supply solutions, which represent an alternative to conventional catenary power supply. As well as APS, new technological innovations are available to reduce energy consumption and preserve city centres: SRS, an innovative ground-based static recharging system, Citadis Ecopack, and battery solutions.   

The Bordeaux trams were manufactured at seven Alstom sites in France: La Rochelle for the design and assembly, Ornans for the engines, Le Creusot for the bogies, Tarbes for the traction system equipment, Villeurbanne for the on-board electronics, Vitrolles for the APS and Saint-Ouen for the design.

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