The first new Alstom Citadis of 61 on order for the French metropolis Nantes has started revenue service on 15 April 2024. We had previpously reported here:
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/semitan-nantes-orders-alstom-citadis-low-floor-trams/
The acquisition of 61 new-generation tram will gradually replace the 46 trams of the TFS1 model – the France’s first modern tramway. The oldest of these vehicles are now almost 40 years in service. In total, 61 new trams is a major investment for the city of Nantes – with a total investment of €280m including tax.
Die new trams are 46 metres long, i.e. 6 metres longer than current trams. They have a capacity of 300 passengers, 50 more than current trams, and they are 100% accessible for people with reduced mobility via 8 double doors with flashing lights to indicate opening and closing. 14 multimedia screens display information about the network.
Between now and the end of the year, 14 new trams will gradually be put into service, replacing the trams currently in service. The remaining 35 will be brought into service by 2026, and 12 additional tramcars will complete the network by 2027 with the roll-out of future tramway lines 6 and 7.
The entire network will benefit, as the oldest trams running on line 2 will be replaced by the vehicles currently operating on line 1 as and when the new trams come into service. This will improve and reinforce the quality of service on the whole of line 2.
At the same time as the first new-generation trains are being put into service for passenger testing, driver training continues until 30 April. It had started in March.
Nantes’ tram network currently consists of three lines with 44 kilometres of track. Of the existing trams, up to 81 are in use during peak hours.
