Tramway T13: New line between Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Saint-Cyr

Île-de-France Mobilités inaugurated the new tram line T13, connecting Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Saint-Cyr in the Yvelines (78).

Abandoned in the second half of the 20th century but revitalized over the past twenty years, trams continue to develop in Île-de-France. A new line has just opened on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, simply named T13.

The T13 replaces and extends an old train line

The T13 line is 18.8 kilometers long and runs exclusively within the Yvelines department, in the western part of Île-de-France. Nearly vertical, it connects the north of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the south of Saint-Cyr. There are 12 stations along its route, through four other municipalities: Mareil-Marly, l’Etang-la-Ville, Noisy-le-Roi, and Bailly. The entire journey takes about 30 minutes.

The line is actually an extension of the old isolated branch of line L, “Grande Ceinture Ouest,” which has been closed since 2019, between Saint-Germain en-Laye and Noisy-le-Roi. The goal: “To connect different towns within the department without forcing travelers to pass through Paris”. For example, the route allows access to RER A at Saint-Germain en-Laye and the L train at Saint-Nom-le-Bretèche – Forest of Marly. At Saint-Cyr, travelers can continue on N and U trains, as well as the RER C.

11 trains for 21,000 daily travelers

On this line, 45 conductors will alternate driving the 11 trains between 6 a.m. and midnight. Their frequency is every 10 minutes during peak hours, and up to 30 minutes during off-peak hours in summer. They serve 90 seats per train—up to 250 standing passengers—and aim for approximately 21,000 daily travelers.

Modern, Alstom Dualis trains feature 10 screens for information display and include 36 USB ports for device charging, such as phones. The trains alone cost 68.8 million euros, out of a total budget of 306.7 million euros (stations, tracks, infrastructure, civil engineering works).

An extension planned for 2027

Hardly inaugurated, line T13 is already entering a new phase. The tram aims to extend further north, to the Achères RER station, allowing access to the L train.

The 10.5 km route will pass through 4 stations and the town of Poissy. Construction has already begun and will last about 5 years. Therefore, full testing and commissioning are scheduled to start in 2027.

Also read: Montpellier speeds up tramway and bus-tram