The ALTRAC consortium, which includes Alstom, announced that the contract for the new Sydney tramway line awarded by the state’s public transport authority, Transport for New South Wales, has come into force. The financing of the approximately $1.6 billion project, awarded in December, has been secured via a public-private partnership. Commercial service is expected to start in early 2019.

Alstom is responsible for the integrated tramway system, which includes the design, delivery and commissioning of 30 coupled Citadis X05 trams; power supply equipment, including APS -ground power supply; signaling systems, the energy recovery system HESOP, depot equipment and maintenance.

Citadis X05 integrates new technologies such as permanent magnet motors to reduce energy consumption and easier sub-system integration and maintenance to decrease lifecycle costs. Citadis X05 for Sydney will offer high-end comfort, including double-doors for improved access and passenger flows, large balcony style windows, multi-purpose areas and ambient LED lighting.

It also offers the highest levels of customer safety including constant CCTV monitoring, emergency intercoms and the latest way-finding aids for real time passenger information.

The Citadis X05 for Sydney will be manufactured at Alstom’s sites in Europe.