Bordeaux orders ALSTOM trams for line extensions in
contract worth 69 million euros

Six of the additional vehicles will serve on an extension to
the first phase of the project three lines now under
construction. The remainder of the new vehicles are destined for
use on further planned extensions. With 70 identical trams in
all, the CUB fleet will be the largest collection of identical
CITADIS trams in France to date.

The new order has been divided into two parts:

• 6 40-meter, full-low-floor CITADIS tramsets to serve a
  Phase 1 line extension to the Regional Hospital Center
  (CHR).  
• 18 40-meter, full-low floor CITADIS tramsets and 8
  30-meter, full-low floor tramsets for the planned Phase 2 line
  extensions.

Significantly, the CUB chose to place orders for several lots
at once, demonstrating their confidence in ALSTOM and laying a
firm basis for a long-term partnership.

We are very pleased that the Greater Urban Community of
Bordeaux has demonstrated its trust in our leadership of their
project and in our best-selling CITADIS trams by re-ordering 32
of our vehicles at once, rather than allotting repeat orders over
a period of time, as is customary. We are earning our reputation
anew everyday, around the world, with such solid proof of
customer satisfaction. Charles Carlier, senior vice
president Systems, Service ALSTOM Transport

The 32 new tramsets destined for extensions may be powered by
the ground-based electrical supply system develop by
ALSTOMs partner and already chosen for use in
Bordeauxs historic city center under the initial contract;
the customer is to give confirmation of this option during 1st
quarter 2002. This innovative new ground-power system, which
would be the first to be deployed in commercial service in the
world,

permits trams to operate without unsightly overhead
catanary. The tramway thus enhances cities with its sleek modern
image while remaining discreet due to minimal visible
infrastructure also including street-level stations (no extra
platform height needed as new technology permits low-floor
access), and rolling stock improvements (a large degree of
transparency afforded by the largely glass body surface).

Editors notes
For the original order, the Greater Urban Community of
Bordeaux selected an ALSTOM-led Consortium to negotiate the
contract for the construction of three tramway lines serving the
Bordeaux area. These three lines will serve the principal areas
of Bordeaux (Quais de Garonne, Pey-Berland, Pont de Pierre,
Quinconces, Gare St-Jean, Cenon, Lormont, Talence, University
sites); they will enter commercial service in autumn 2003.

This project, worth 280 million euros, is for the supply of
CITADIS trams, track, track surfacing works, the ground-based
electrical supply system and an option for the total maintenance
of the supplied equipment.

In its role as consortium leader, ALSTOM is responsible for
the project management of the system, the interface with the
civil contractors and the coordination of four subgroups.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in over 60
countries, ALSTOM Transport offers cutting-edge products and
services to four distinct types of customers:  urban transit
authorities and operators; intercity passenger rail operators and
rolling stock owners;  rail freight operators; and intercity
railway infrastructure owners. ALSTOM Transport, with 4.4 billion
euros in annual sales, has a 17% market share world-wide.

Press relations

Ruth Pavans

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 97 16

email :
ruth.pavans@transport.alstom.com

• "Bordeaux Metropole" website (in french)