Infrastructure
APS: Service-proven catenary-free tramway operations
APS at a glance
- Removes overhead line equipment from cities
- High reliability, availability and safety
- A simple service-proven concept
APS is a highly reliable power system that reduces the footprint of light rail lines and preserves the aesthetics of urban environments.
Doing away with catenary
Cities planning a tramway can today preserve their historical heritage and urban environment by dispensing with obtrusive overhead contact lines. Alstom’s APS ground-level power supply system is a proven alternative with equivalent performance which is currently operating in seven cities on three continents and offers safe, reliable power to trams whether in short catenary-free sections or along the entire line.
Effective and safe
Inspired by ‘third rail’ feeding systems present in metros, APS uses 11-metre segments set into the track bed between the guiding rails to supply current to vehicles. These segments automatically switch on and off according to whether a tram is passing over them, thereby eradicating any risk to other road users. This safety principle was certified by several competent bodies all over the world.
Flexible and adaptable
Trams running on APS can also incorporate overhead line equipment and/or traction batteries, with simple and easy transition between power sources. If a line is extended, it is easy to extend the APS system with it. In addition, APS comes in two versions according to the climate encountered: a standard version for temperate atmospheres and a tropicalised version for extreme climate conditions, withstanding ambient temperatures of up to 55 °C.
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> 38million kilometres travelled by trams on APS
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92km of single track fitted to date
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245Citadis trams equipped with APS technology