Alstom presents a life-sized model of Avignon's Citadis tram
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On December 14, 2013, Alstom unveiled a life-sized model of Greater Avignon's Citadis Compact tram in the presence of Marie-Josée Roig, Mayor of Avignon and President of the Avignon Urban Community, François Mariani, President of the Vaucluse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Robert Fidenti, President of the Atout Tram association, and Hubert Peugeot, Sales Director of Alstom Transport. The model will be displayed at the foot of the city walls until spring 2014.
The model introduces Greater Avignon's residents to a full-sized replica of their future tram, chosen in September 2013 via a public consultation of 4,000 voters. "The design is based on the rhythm of coloured surfaces. It emphasises the large double doors that help to identify the tram's entrances and recalls architectural elements of the city" explains Xavier Allard, Vice President of Design and Styling at Alstom Transport.
The second city in France to choose Citadis Compact, after Aubagne, Greater Avignon has opted for the highest capacity version of this short tram from the Citadis range. The 24-metre tram can carry 133 to 146 passengers (up to 45,000 a day) depending on the interior layout.
Alstom will supply a total of 24 Citadis Compact trams to Greater Avignon. They will run on the two lines of the future 14.5-kilometre network, and are scheduled to enter service in late 2016.
In selecting Citadis Compact from Alstom, Greater Avignon has chosen reliable and tested equipment with the benefit of feedback from nearly 15 years' use. This long lifetime has led to solutions being identified to reduce the tram's operating costs through optimised maintenance and reduced energy consumption.
The new trams are fitted with large windows, air conditioning and a real-time information system to ensure passenger comfort and well-being on every journey. They are also equipped with double doors at the front and rear to make it easier for passengers to board and alight.
98% recyclable, Citadis helps protect the environment.
The 1,500 Citadis trams operating worldwide have already prevented the emission of over 4 million tons of CO2 compared with emissions from car traffic and improved quality of life in cities, with noise levels four times lower than those of cars.
Citadis Compact is manufactured at industrial sites in France: La Rochelle for the tram design and assembly, Ornans for the motor design and production, Le Creusot for the bogies, Tarbes for the electrical and electronic traction equipment, Valenciennes for the control system, Villeurbanne for the onboard electronics and Saint-Ouen for the design. To date, 1,726 Citadis trams have been ordered by 43 cities worldwide.