France: Alstom has delivered the first of its new-generation Citadis 3 trams to Strasbourg, with the seven-car vehicle presented at the depot of city transport operator CTS.
According to the manufacturer, the tram will soon be equipped with a driver assistance system before commencing trial operations. Authorisation for passenger service is anticipated in November.
The 45 m-long low-floor tram has a capacity of up to 286 passengers. Compared with the seven-car Citadis 403 trams previously supplied to Strasbourg, the new model achieves a 20% reduction in energy consumption. Alstom attributes the improvement to a new traction motor, enhanced HVAC system, and the use of LED lighting. The company also expects lifecycle maintenance costs over 30 years to be reduced by 16%.
CTS has placed a total order for 39 Citadis 3 trams in 2023 and 2025. The first six units are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year. The trams are being manufactured across ten Alstom production sites in France, with final assembly taking place at the company’s facility in La Rochelle.
