Alstom deploys its first APS ground-level power solution in Turkey for Eminonu- Alibeykoy Tramway Line

4 January 2021 – Alstom has recently deployed its APS system, a ground-level continuous power supply system, to the 10.1-km long Eminonu- Alibeykoy tramway line which consists of 14 stations. The 9-km section between Balat- Alibeykoy of the tramway line, which was inaugurated on 1 January 2021, will reduce the footprint of light rail lines and preserves the aesthetics of urban environments.

With APS, which is applied for the first time in Turkey, the power will be supplied to the tram through a segmented street-level power rail instead of catenary system. The conductive segments are activated only when fully covered by the tram, ensuring total safety for pedestrians and other road users. The power is picked up by contact shoes located under the vehicle, on the tram’s central bogie.  

"We are quite happy to see our innovative and sustainable solutions being part of Istanbul’s city landscape. In addition to the ground APS system, we are providing the associated on-board equipment for 30 tramway vehicles manufactured by a local company for the Eminonu- Alibeykoy tramway line. This is an indication of how adaptable our system is. The system will be a unique signature of Istanbul railway network in terms of innovation, environmental, aesthetic and historical values", says Mama Sougoufara, Alstom Middle East and Turkey Managing Director.

APS helps preserve the beauty of the urban environment while guaranteeing the same performance as overhead contact lines. Trams running on APS can also incorporate overhead line equipment and/or traction batteries, with simple and easy transition between power sources. If a line is extended, it is easy to extend the APS system with it.

In 2014, Alstom delivered and commissioned the world’s first 100% catenary-free tramway system in Dubai, UAE. The system is currently under operation in eleven cities on four continents with around 50 million kilometers travelled by trams on APS. 

Alstom has been present in Turkey for over 60 years. Its Istanbul office serves as the regional headquarter for the AMECA region and a regional center for Alstom Digital Mobility (ADM) as well as System & Infra projects. Activities of the Regional Center include bid management, project management, engineering, sourcing, training and maintenance services among many others.