Alstom has won a contract from Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL) to supply new trams for Lines R and T of the tramway network in Lille in France.
The initial order is for 24 Citadis trams, with an option for another six, with first deliveries planned for early 2026 and entry into service scheduled for mid-2026.
These new trams are 32.4 metres long and 2.4 metres wide, have a minimum capacity of 196 passengers, and are for operation on MEL's metric gauge. Four double doors on each side provide ease of getting on and off.
Door opening buttons are positioned at the right level to comply with the PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) legislation, and also have wider seats and reserved areas for customers with wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Additional features include air-conditioning, a dynamic passenger information system, and CCTV for passenger and staff security.
The new trams are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly thanks to a new motor design, efficient management of the internal temperature, and 100% LED lighting throughout. Their eco-friendliness extends to their construction from 95% recyclable and 99% reusable materials.
They are designed to provide optimum availability, with a reduced number of spare parts, easier access to components, and sensors positioned throughout the trams to enable remote fault diagnosis. The sensors also enable downtime periods to be anticipated and optimised.
A number of Alstom sites in France are involved in the production of the new trams, including :
- La Rochelle, for design and assembly;
- Villeurbanne, for the on-board electronics and cyber security;
- Aix-en-Provence, for the tacho centres.
Citadis trams are in extensive use around the world, with over 3,200 in operation 70 cities in 20 countries around the world including 26 cities in France. Since the first Citadis trams entered service in 2000, they have travelled over 1 billion kilometres and carried 10 billion passengers.
Is it going to look like the artist’s impression or like the other photos? If it does look like the former then it will be a major departure from the existing design with wheels much closer to the ends. This may result in a greater low floor area and better performance on curves.