Avignon Tram Line Opens with Alstom Citadis X05 Trams

Avignon’s tramway opened to the public with Citadis X05 rolling stock from Alstom.

On 19 October 2019 Avignon’s first tramway opened to the public. Line 1 has ten stations over 5.2km. The tram line runs from Jean Jaurès to Saint-Chamand Plaine des Sports.

Elisabeth Borne, the former transport minister and current Minister of Ecological and Solidary Transition, Renaud Muselier, President of Région Sud, Maurice Chabert, President of the Vaucluse Department, Patrick Vacaris, President of Grand Avignon, Cécile Helle, Mayor of Avignon, Jean-Marc Roubaud, President of Técélys and Jean-Baptist Eyméoud, President of Alstom France, all attended the inauguration ceremony.

Alstom Citadis X05 compact tram for Avignon
Alstom Citadis X05 compact tram for Avignon

Alstom Citadis X05 ‘Compact’ Tram for Avignon

The short version of the Citadis X05 is 24 metres long with four double doors on either side. The total capacity of each tram is just over 140 passengers. The trams are low-floor throughout to meet accessibility requirements.

Alstom says its design centres around giving passengers a pleasant travel experience. Features in this category include the large bay windows, which make up 40 percent of the tram’s shell. LEDs with diffusers produce soft lighting. The seats are large. Lastly, passengers will benefit from the modern information system and the air-conditioning unit.

The Citadis X05 has good environmental credentials as well. In addition to being highly energy-efficient and up to 99 percent recyclable, the fact that the parts are standardised means replacements are possible with minimal waste.

Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France, said:

“Alstom and its teams are proud to be present at the commissioning of this first tramway line in Avignon. Thanks to their reliability, availability and easier maintenance, we are fully confident in the ability of the 14 Citadis trams to address the major travel challenges of the Agglomeration Community of Grand Avignon. I would also like to thank the members of Grand Avignon for having entrusted us with part of the infrastructure work. The new line will become a showcase for the expertise of the French rail sector.”

Avignon Tramway Project

In addition to providing the rolling stock, Alstom has also delivered the tracks (studies, supply and assembly), the 750V electrical substation and 6km of overhead lines (studies, supply, installation and testing) in partnership with TSO.

In 2023 Avignon is to get its second tram line. Construction is set to begin in 2021. This tramline is to be 3.2km long with seven stations, and one intersection with Line 1. Line 2 will run from Piot to Saint-Lazare Université Arendt.

Seven Alstom sites in France have participated in the design and manufacture of the Citadis X05 for Avignon:

  • La Rochelle – design and assembly
  • Ornans – engines
  • Le Creusot – bogies
  • Tarbes – traction drive equipment
  • Valenciennes – control system and interior layout
  • Saint-Ouen – design and infrastructure activities
  • Villeurbanne – on-board electronic systems

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