Alstom inaugurates the first French cross-border Citadis tram

Alstom inaugurated the first cross-border tramway between France and Germany in a ceremony that included several dignitaries.

The first passengers crossed the bridge of the Rhine on Saturday aboard one of the 12 Citadis trams already delivered. The new Citadis trams are in circulation on the extension of line A, which runs towards Illkirch-Graffenstaden, and the line D, which links the center of Strasbourg to Kehl in Germany.

The Citadis trams of Strasbourg are the first trams to receive BOStrab German federal regulation approval, covering the manufacture and operation of trams in Germany. Alstom's infrastructure teams also designed and installed the overhead contact line and the rail track that runs over the cross-border bridge.

The trams are approximately 147-feet long and have the capacity for 288 passengers. They are equipped with LED lighting and full glass doors to enhance passengers’ feelings of comfort and safety. In line with PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) regulations, the trams are equipped with accessible door openers, wider seats, and specially reserved areas for wheelchair users and passengers with strollers.