France: Since 15 November, the seven-section trams have begun operating on several of the city’s lines. All 39 ordered units are expected to be launched by the end of 2028.
The 45 m long Citadis 3 (Citadis 405) vehicles can carry 286 passengers. Compared to the seven-section Citadis 403 trams supplied earlier to Strasbourg, the new LRVs consume 20% less energy. Alstom states this improvement was achieved through a new motor, an upgraded climate-control system, and LED lighting.
Citadis 405 tram from Alstom in Strasbourg. Source: Guenole Baron/lesdna
Maintenance costs over 30 years are also projected to be 16% lower due to component optimisation. The trams are reported to be made from 95% recyclable components.
In total, the public transport operator CTS ordered 39 Citadis 3 trams from Alstom in 2023 and 2025. Production involves ten of the company’s French sites, with final assembly taking place at the La Rochelle factory.
