Alstom Transport was awarded the most innovative product prize for its APS ground-level power supply system at the Middle East and North Africa Congress, held by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) from Oct. 25 to 27 in Doha, Qatar.

The award recognizes the most innovative product that brings added value in terms of efficiency, service and environmental protection. The APS ground-level supply system enables trams to travel without overhead catenaries and integrate harmoniously into the urban landscape. The tram is powered by a third rail embedded among the tracks.

The Urban Community of Bordeaux in France was the first conurbation in the world to implement the technology, which has been in service since 2003. Since its launch, five other cities have selected this system. APS will be used on part of the tram lines in Orleans, Reims and Angers in France, as well as a part of the future line in Brasilia, Brazil. Dubai chose this system for its future tram line. The Qatar authorities are also examining the possibility of equipping some or all of their tramways with a catenary-free system.