Alstom wins contract to extend Le Mans trams

On 12 March 2024, Alstom has been chosen by Le Mans Métropole to extend the existing Citadis trams of the city. The 34 32-metre-long Alstom-built trams, acquired successively in 2007, 2010 and 2013, will be extended to 44 m, increasing passenger capacity by 85 passengers per tram. After the complete assessment of a first tram, the project will also enable some systems to be modernised (CCTV, tachometric control unit) and new ones to be installed (wheel lubrication and anti-slip systems). Delivery of the first extended trams is scheduled in March 2026, with commercial service expected to begin in the summer of 2026.

With a length of 44 m and a width of 2.40 m, the extended trams will have two additional double doors on each side, to make it easier for passengers to get on and off. They will have a total capacity of 296 passengers. Compliant with the PRM (People with Reduced Mobility) regulation, the extended trams 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 dynamic passenger information system currently under development, as well as a new CCTV.

At the same time as providing an enhanced level of service and comfort for passengers, these energy-efficient Citadis trams will incorporate air-conditioning systems that comply with the latest environmental regulations. Seven Alstom sites in France will contribute to the success of this project. All the work required to build the first extended tram will be carried out at La Rochelle site. The other 33 trams will be assembled in Le Mans by Alstom Services teams from La Rochelle and Crespin, at the Setram workshops.

To date, Alstom has sold more than 3,000 Citadis trams to 70 cities in 20 countries around the world (including 25 cities in France). Citadis trams have covered more than one billion km and carried 10 billion passengers since the first tram entered service in 2000.