Alstom, the global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been selected by 'Le Mans Métropole' to expand the city's existing Citadis trams. The 2007 2010 meter long Alstom trams, purchased consecutively in 2013, 34 and 32, will be extended to 85 meters, increasing the passenger capacity by 44 passengers per tram.
Following a full evaluation of the first tram, the project will see the modernization of some systems (CCTV, tachometric control unit) and the installation of new ones (lubrication and anti-slip systems).
“Alstom is very proud to be carrying out this project to expand the trams of the Le Mans metropolitan authority and thus contribute to the development of a more modern, higher capacity urban transport network. These energy-efficient Citadis trams will also improve comfort and working conditions. “We would like to thank Le Mans Métropole for renewing its trust in our tram solutions,” said Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France.
Delivery of the first extended trams is scheduled for March 2026, with commercial service expected to begin in summer 2026.
Citadis trams will increase passengers' well-being
The extended trams, which are 44 meters long and 2,40 meters wide, will have two additional double doors on each side to make it easier for passengers to get on and off. It will have a total capacity of 296 passengers.
The trams, which have been expanded in accordance with the PMR (Persons with Reduced Mobility) regulations, will benefit from the improvements made to the existing fleet in 2023.
For a comfortable journey in complete safety, these Citadis trams will be air-conditioned and equipped with a new CCTV system, as well as a dynamic passenger information system currently under development.
Energy-saving and environmentally friendly trams
In addition to providing an enhanced level of service and comfort for passengers, these energy-efficient Citadis trams will also have air conditioning systems that comply with the latest environmental regulations.
These trams are eco-designed, 92% recyclable and 99% reusable.
Seven Alstom plants in France will contribute to the success of this project
All work required to build the first extended tram will be carried out at Alstom's La Rochelle facility. The assembly of the other 33 trams will be carried out in Setram at Le Mans by Alstom Services teams from La Rochelle and Crespin.
In total, teams from seven Alstom sites in France will participate in the project:
- La Rochelle and Crespin for the design, industrialization and assembly of trams;
- Le Creusot for bogies;
- Ornans, for engines;
- Villeurbanne for onboard electronics;
- Aix-en-Provence for tachometric units;
- For tarbes, cooling units and power modules.
Leader in low-floor trams and rail services
To date, Alstom has sold more than 20 Citadis trams to 25 cities in 70 countries worldwide (including 3.000 cities in France). Citadis trams have traveled more than one billion kilometers and carried 2000 billion passengers since the first tram went into service in 10.
Alstom is the market leader in rail services and supports its customers with the broadest portfolio of service solutions across the entire asset lifecycle. Alstom's FlexCare Modernize portfolio increases and extends the life of rolling stock with Life, Smart and Green modernization solutions. Alstom meets a wide range of customer needs, including minimizing life cycle costs, reducing environmental impact and improving passenger comfort and train performance. Alstom has modernized more than 40.000 vehicles worldwide.
