Nice inaugurates the first tramway to be equipped with
batteries

For the first time anywhere in the world, a tramway now
operates over part of its route using an autonomous on board
system, allowing the supply of the electrical power via
overhead lines to be avoided. The absence of posts and overhead
lines in Place Masséna and Place Garibaldi enables the
character of these two historic sites to be preserved. Nice is
the first city in the world to benefit from this technology.

Ordered from Alstom by CANCA in June 2004 in a contract worth a
total of 57 million, the 20 trainsets are fitted with
the latest equipment in the Citadis range, an indispensable aid
for maintaining passenger comfort: enhanced air conditioning,
audio and visual information for disabled people,
video-protection, reinforced safety, large windows

Working at the cutting edge of innovation, Alstom Transport has
developed a complete range of wireless solutions
that allow the urban environment to be preserved:

• On-board autonomy, using batteries: the nickel/metal
  hydride batteries enable the tramway to cover short distances
  
• APS ground level power supply: a third rail, fully
  integrated into the platform, enables the tramway to operate
  wirelessly, while maintaining full performance.
  To date, this system has been used to equip the Bordeaux city
  network and has been chosen by Angers, Orleans and Reims.

  To date, over 1,100 Citadis have been ordered by 28 cities
  around the world, and over 60 cities have a tramway project
  scheduled for the next few years. Tramways are enjoying
  undeniable success because they make it possible to develop
  sustainable mobility, to rethink and re-energize urban space,
  and to preserve architectural heritage, while contributing to
  city growth.

  Press contact:
  
  Eric Lenoir : +33 (0)1 41 66 98 74
  
  eric.lenoir@transport.alstom.com