Six new Citadis come into commercial service in Tenerifes new Line 2

On 30 May, Metropolitano de Tenerife, Tenerife's tram system, inaugurated Line 2 of its tramway network, bringing six new Citadis trams into commercial service. These six new units join the other 20 that have been in operation on Line 1 over the last 2 years, since 2 June 2007. Tenerife's Citadis trams were manufactured in Alstom's factory in Santa Perpetua de Mogoda in Barcelona.

The new Line 2 is 3.6km long and has 6 stations, and a seventh that will be inaugurated in 2009. Both lines share a 1.4km section and 2 interchange stations. Expected demand for Line 2 is 1.4 million passengers per year, or 5,000 passengers per day.

The islands first line was inaugurated in June 2007, is 12.5km long and includes 21 stops, serving the citys main points such as hospitals and the university. 50,000 people use the line every day. The new network, composed of two lines, serves 66% of the metropolitan areas population. Around 226,000 inhabitants live within a maximum of 500 metres of a tram stop.

Alstoms engineers adapted the standard Citadis model to Tenerifes specific needs. The islands climate and geographical characteristics, with significant uneven sections in the trams route, required Alstom to design 100%-motorised bogies.

The traction chain provides an innovative energy-saving system that takes advantage of the uneven sections the tram has to overcome along its route and a special braking system. Furthermore, the tram has an independent cooling system for the passenger area and driver's cab. The exterior design is unique; each module is painted in a different colour giving it its own personality.

Tenerifes Citadis have a total capacity of 200 passengers, with 60 seats and spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. They are built with a complete low-floor, making them fully accessible. They have audiovisual passenger information systems, assisted driving and air conditioning systems, and can reach a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour. They are comfortable, quick, safe and environmentally-friendly as they use electricity. They have brake and anti-pedestrian impact systems. Furthermore, Metropolitano de Tenerife has equipped its Citadis with a Wifi service so its passengers can connect to the internet during their trip.

About Citadis trams
Currently, approximately 1,200 Citadis have been ordered for 29 cities across the globe and more than 60 cities are planning tram projects over the years to come. This model is enjoying undeniable success thanks to its sustainable mobility, making it possible to rethink and modernise the urban environment, preserve architectural heritage and participate in the growth of cities.

• Transport Press Release 4.3