METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Alstom unveils Citadis Spirit light rail vehicle

The features include a 100% low floor design and the ability to operate at speeds of up to 65 mph.

June 4, 2013
Alstom unveils Citadis Spirit light rail vehicle

 

2 min to read


Alstom unveiled its new Citadis Spirit light-rail vehicle for the North American market during the 2013 American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference in Philadelphia.

Company executives emphasized that the Citadis Spirit builds upon the experience of more than 1,700 Citadis light rail vehicles in service worldwide. They also pointed out that with more than 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada planning new light rail or streetcar systems, the vehicle includes unique features to satisfy the transit needs and support the economic development goals of North American cities.

Ad Loading...

The features include a 100% low floor design and the ability to operate at speeds of up to 65 mph. Hence, the Citadis Spirit is versatile and can provide both a streetcar service in mixed traffic as well as a commuter service on dedicated infrastructure. Its low-floor boarding and interior, which is free of steps, provides better accessibility as well as a safer and more comfortable ride to users of all walks and ages.

The vehicle also is totally modular in length and can be expanded as a city’s transportation needs grow over time. Additionally, the Citadis Spirit can be paired with one of Alstom’s proven off-wire power supply systems to preserve historic cityscapes and minimize impacts on the environment.

Citadis Spirit will be manufactured in North America as of 2015. Its design and manufacturing process are very modular and flexible, allowing final assembly to be localized close to end-users and municipalities.

Prior to addressing an audience of transit agencies, consultants and engineering firms, Alstom Transportation’s President, Guillaume Mehlman, underscored that “in developing the Citadis Spirit, we recognized that every city has a unique ambition for public transportation and an expectation that our mobility solutions boost sustainable economic development. With this vehicle’s versatility and modularity, Alstom is able to respond to those expectations as they evolve over time. Our Design & Styling department can also customize the train’s interior and exterior design to embody each city’s unique character. Each new Citadis Spirit will be shaped by and a reflection of the community it serves.”

Citadis Spirit will be manufactured in North America as of 2015. Its design and manufacturing process are very modular and flexible, allowing final assembly to be localized close to end-users and municipalities.

In February 2013, Alstom announced its first order for the Citadis Spirit through a contract to deliver 34 vehicles, 21 vehicles in option, and 30 years of maintenance services to the City of Ottawa for its new light-rail transit system. The vehicles delivered to Ottawa will be a high capacity version of the Spirit with a total length of 160 feet.

Ad Loading...

RELATED ARTICLE: Check out, "Alstom Penetrates N.A. Light Rail Market."

More Management

Perspective through the window of a transit bus into a warehouse event space for Arrowhead Transit.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Arrowhead Transit Rolls Out Rider App to Modernize Rural Service

The new mobile booking platform and backend system aim to streamline operations, improve communication, and better serve riders across a 20,000-square-mile region.

Read More →
Denver RTD Police's BRIT team
Security and Safetyby StaffMay 5, 2026

Denver RTD Transit Police launch Bus and Rail Impact Team

BRIT patrols are over and above those already occurring within the district. For example, the agency experienced three copper wire thefts along the G Line in April, followed by others later in the month and in early May.

Read More →
Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →