Since its opening in 2014, the 14 km long tramway network in Besançon, France, has exclusively used three-section, 23-metre-long CAF Urbos low-floor trams, which quickly proved to be too small (see our report HERE). Extending these trams to approximately 30-32 metres in length proved difficult to implement both technically and economically, so the city put out a new tender – and Alstom won the contract.
Alstom, Grand Besançon Métropole and the operator Keolis Besançon Mobilités were able to present the first new-generation Citadis tram on 25 June 2025. The first delivery of five cars is part of an eight-year joint contract between the cities of Besançon, Brest and Toulouse, which was signed in 2023 and covers at least 22 trams. Grand Besançon Métropole initially ordered five trams in 2023, followed by a second batch of three trams in April 2025.
The first five Citadis trams will be delivered gradually by the end of autumn 2025 and will then enter regular service. The new five-section trams are 32.50 metres long and 2.40 metres wide and have four 1.30-metre-wide double doors and two single doors on each side. They can accommodate 201 passengers and are equipped with fully glazed doors.
For people with reduced mobility, the trains are equipped with door opening buttons at the correct height and reserved areas for wheelchair users and prams. The Citadis trains are fully air-conditioned and equipped with a dynamic passenger information system and video surveillance. Thanks to a new engine, efficient air conditioning and 100% LED lighting, energy consumption is also expected to be reduced by at least 25% compared to conventional vehicles.
28.06.2025
