CITADIS test track inaugurated by ALSTOM and La Rochelle
officials

Press Contacts

Visit our media section and follow the link "Press contacts"

The event marks a high point in the close working relationship
between the region of Poitou-Charentes, the department of
Charentes-Maritime, the Community of La Rochelle and ALSTOM,
which is one of the regions main employers.

The test track will enable each new ALSTOM tram to be tested
in true-life conditions. It will also serve as a significant
research and development tool with two main objectives: to reduce
the cost of tram infrastructure and to reduce tram-related
noise.

Systems cost reductions
Today, an average investment of 18 million euros per
kilometer is required to integrate a tramline, a sum far too
onerous for medium-sized urban communities (100,000 - 150,000
inhabitants). The joint project of ALSTOM and the Community of La
Rochelle seeks to reduce by nearly half the average cost per km,
through technological innovations in rolling stock and
infrastructure. For this latter, for example, track laying is
carried out in less time than was standard using ALSTOMs
patented APPITRACK system for pre-laid track. 
Further innovations for depots and fixed installations will also
help to make transport by tram more financially feasible for many
cities.

Reduction of extraneous sounds and sights

The reduction of visual or auditory inconveniences
is the other essential goal in ALSTOMs development
program. The La Rochelle test track will enable ALSTOM to test
various means of improving the understanding of noise and
vibrations. Furthermore, research has begun into the possibility
of eradicating catenary, either totally or in part, thanks to
ALSTOMs ground level static power-supply system marketed
as ALISS or by on-board autonomous systems. The test track will
enable the validation of these systems to be carried
out under realistic conditions.

Testing is now beginning, and will continue for the next three
years. The test track, largely financed by the city and regions
and laid in the « Minimes » region of the city, will
also serve as a dedicated bus lane. Buses will serve the
community. The trams will not take passengers and will respect
strict safety standards, operating a maximum of 3 off-peak hours
a day.

Over 300 CITADIS vehicles have been sold to cities worldwide.
References include Barcelona, Bordeaux, Dublin, Lyons, Melbourne,
Montpellier, Orleans, Paris, Rotterdam and Valenciennes.