UITP 2015: Alstom launches Attractis an integrated tramway system for growing cities

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Alstom launches at UTIP 2015, in Milan, Attractis, an innovative integrated tramway system for growing cities that is simpler to operate and cost-effective. Thanks to optimised project management and construction methods, Attractis is available in the record time of 30 months from the design phase. Designed to optimise acquisition costs and the total cost of ownership, Attractis can offer up to 20% savings in investment compared to a traditional tramway system.

Attractis is a concentrate of Alstoms proven know-how and expertise designed for growing cities with high population density not yet equipped with a tramway system. It includes Alstoms Citadis^[2] tram and all associated infrastructure: the track, power supply, passenger stations, communication and information system, line operation supervision and control systems, ticketing, and maintenance. In partnership with a civil works company, Alstom builds all the necessary infrastructure and ensures the testing and commissioning of the entire line working with the operator.

Attractis allows cities, especially those experiencing rapid growth, to acquire a tramway system enabling them to rapidly reduce congestion and pollution, while offering city-dwellers a clean, safe and comfortable mode of transport, declared Eric Marie, Vice President for systems at Alstom Transport.

Able to carry from 4,000 to up to 14,000 passengers per hour and per direction, Attractis can be easily adjusted to the level of ridership. The footprint of a two-way Attractis line is comparable to that of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)^[3]. Should ridership increase, the capacity of Attractis can easily be adapted using the same dedicated lane, whereas the footprint of a BRT lane needs to be doubled. 

To ensure the availability of Attractis in record time, Alstom has developed optimised construction methodology involving intelligent section-by-section scheduling of civil and electromechanical works to minimise construction time, disturbance and costs. The Attractis package also includes a 3D driving simulator, enabling drivers to practice during the construction period, further optimising the timing of the project. 

Attractis is also the first rail system to adopt ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport), an open IT architecture designed to improve interoperability between IT systems and decrease costs related to multiple equipment. With this new norm, the integration of multimodal urban transport systems (tram, bus, electric car sharing services etc.) is synchronised, allowing transport authorities to offer passengers innovative information solutions, journey planners and e-ticketing systems. 

Alstom masters every stage of the tramway system, from design to complete validation and commissioning in its urban environment, and is a leader in the maintenance of the complete system. Besides, the company can provide project financing support to customers, including Public Private Partnership schemes. Alstom can rely on its experience with 16 integrated tramway solutions projects awarded, positioning the company as the world n°1 in this field. The company is currently managing the construction of 8 tramway systems including Cuenca (Ecuador), Rio (Brazil), Sydney (Australia), Nottingham (UK), Lusail (Qatar) and further projects in Algeria.

About Alstom Transport

A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire transport systems, including trains, signalling, maintenance and modernisation, infrastructure and offers integrated solutions. Alstom Transport had sales of 6.2 billion and booked 10 billion of orders in the fiscal year 2014/15. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs around 28,000 people.

¹International Union of Public Transport/Union Internationale des Transports Publics
²Citadis X02 or X05
³Seven meters wide