Alstom’s APS catenary-free technology makes Spanish debut on Barcelona’s tramway

Thanks to the use of APS technology, the first time adopted in Spain, it has not been necessary to install catenary on the new section of the tram network, thus improving the integration of the system in specific areas of the urban environment.

The APS system consists of the installation of a third conductor rail on the track, which serves as a power supply system. This third conductor rail is divided into sections that are automatically activated and deactivated as the tram travels over them, eradicating any risk to pedestrians and road users. Moreover, compared to other solutions, this technology does not compromise the autonomy of the trams in increasingly extreme weather conditions or in the event of traffic cuts or, for that matter, any other incident that interrupts the movement of the convoys.

Today, Alstom's APS technology is already installed and in operation in 11 cities on four continents (Bordeaux, Tours, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, Dubai, Lusail and Sydney, among others). Every day, more than 370 trams use this solution on more than 150 km of track in commercial service, representing 58 million kilometres travelled with APS (as of July 2022).

The extension of the Barcelona tramway

Today’s inauguration is the first phase of the project to connect Barcelona's two tram networks, Trambaix and Trambesos. This connection – 3.9 kilometres long and with six new stops added to the tram network – will improve mobility in the city and will enhance intramodality by connecting the tram with the suburban and Metro networks. Furthermore, once the connection is completed, it will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint by transferring users from private vehicles to the tram. The project has also entailed a major urban transformation, with new cycle lanes, more green areas and ample space for pedestrians.

Barcelona’s tramway, inaugurated in 2004, is made up of two independent systems: Trambaix (connecting Barcelona with the towns of Baix Llobregat) and Trambesòs (connecting Barcelona with Sant Adrià de Besòs and Badalona). The network has a total of six lines and 56 stops in a 29.22 kilometres-long system that moves more than 30 million passengers annually, being the public transport service best rated by users (EMEF 2023). The network is operated by 41 Citadis trams, manufactured and maintained by Alstom in Barcelona.

Alstom Spain

Alstom has a long history of innovation and commitment to Spain's economic and industrial development with local industrial and technological presence for all activities related to rail transport and sustainable mobility. With more than 3,200 people in the country Alstom has an industrial plant in Barcelona dedicated to the manufacture of all types of rolling stock, a propulsion systems factory in the Basque Country and, in Madrid, different technological innovation centres for the development of projects in the fields of railway safety, signalling, maintenance and digital mobility. One out of every three trains running in Spain has been manufactured by Alstom.

ALSTOM™, Citadis™ and APS™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.