Alstom wins French tram order

The tramsets will be delivered in the summer of 2013, with entry into commercial service slated for early 2014, and options for five to 10 additional tramsets can be exercised until 2017.

The Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Etoile metropolitan region is the first municipality to acquire Alstom's new Citadis Compact tramway, the first model in the New Generation Citadis range, and has now become the 20th French metropolitan region to choose Citadis technology.

The tramset's interior fittings are completely modular and feature two to four seats across. Wide bay windows, air conditioning and real-time information provide customers with a sense of comfort, safety and well-being, according to the company. Its four double doors, a first in rolling stock of this length, save operating time by facilitating passenger boarding and dismounting.