Nantes: the 280 million euro tramway is being deployed
This page is translated from the original post "Nantes : le tramway à 280 millions d’euros se déploie" in French.
- 29/05/2024 16:21
The Nantes Metropolis inaugurated its new tramway vehicles, an event that will transform the city by 2027.
The T1 line of the Nantes Métropole tramway is getting a makeover. The pace is still limited, but it will steadily increase in strength by 2027. In total, 61 next-generation trams will be phased in gradually on the network by that date, for an investment of 280 million euros. Between 2024 and 2026, 49 new trams will be introduced, followed by 12 additional trams in 2027. These trams will replace the 46 TFS trams that have been in service since 1984.
Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes and President of Nantes Métropole, emphasized the importance of this project by stating: “These new trams reflect our great ambition for transportation. Since the reintroduction of modern tramways in 1985, we continue to innovate with these 61 new trams that will improve passenger comfort.”
A more accessible tramway
The Citadis tram in Nantes, measuring 46 meters and equipped with 8 double doors on each side, can accommodate up to 300 passengers. Its new design offers a refreshed travel experience with large windows, uniform LED lighting, connecting doors, and wooden seats. The design of these trams incorporated citizen suggestions, including color bands by line, improved interior lighting, and modular spaces for persons with reduced mobility.
The RCP agency, responsible for the design, drew inspiration from citizen feedback, particularly with mirror-effect paint reflecting the Nantes landscape. Alstom also widened the aisles by 40 cm to enhance fluidity and the sense of space. The Citadis tram retains its successful features, such as the completely low floor, facilitating access for people with reduced mobility.
25% less energy-consuming
The new Citadis trams reduce energy consumption by 25% compared to the models currently in circulation, thanks to innovative motorization, effective climate management, and fully LED lighting. These trams are 95% recyclable and 99% recoverable.
They also require less maintenance, reducing the necessary operations by 18% compared to the previous generation. The optimization includes a reduced number of spare parts, better accessibility of components, and sensors for remote diagnostics, maximizing operational availability.
Made in France!
The new trams were designed and manufactured at the Alstom center of excellence in La Rochelle. Seven French sites are involved in their production:
- La Rochelle: design and assembly
- Le Creusot: bogies
- Ornans: motors
- Valenciennes: interior layout
- Villeurbanne: embedded electronic systems
- Aix-en-Provence: protection and driver assistance systems
- Saint-Ouen: after-sales service
The Citadis range benefits from the experience of over 3,000 trams in service across 70 cities in 20 countries, having traveled more than one billion kilometers and transported 10 billion passengers since 2000.
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