Alstom celebrates the commissioning of the first extended tram in Le Mans, just in time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Le Mans Métropole selected Alstom in 2024 to lengthen its Citadis trams from 32 to 44 metres.
www.alstom.com
Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, welcomes the entry into commercial service of the first extended tram in Le Mans, just a few days before the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Le Mans Métropole signed a 57 million euros framework agreement with Alstom in 2024 for the lengthening of the existing Citadis trams. The contract awarded to Alstom included, in particular, the lengthening of the 34 trams from 32 to 44 metres, as well as the modernisation of certain systems.
Delivered at the end of February 2026, the first tram (put into service on 10 June) underwent a testing phase during which all its functions and performance were assessed. Thanks to the teams’ hard work, the deadlines were met : this means the extended tram can enter service before the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A 40% increase in capacity
The project entrusted to Alstom by Le Mans Métropole involved lengthening the 34 Citadis trams from 32 to 44 metres. This upgrade increases the passenger capacity by 85 passengers per tram (a 40% increase), bringing the total capacity to 296 passengers.
Fitted with two additional double doors on each side, these extended trams also make it easier for passengers to board, particularly those with reduced mobility.
This project also included the modernisation of various systems (CCTV, speed control centre) as well as the installation of new systems, notably lubrication and anti-drift systems.
An effective strategy to minimise the impact on traffic
The lengthening of the Citadis trams is an effective solution to rising passenger numbers on the network, demonstrating the flexibility of their design: this project enables more passengers to be accommodated without the need to purchase new rolling stock, whilst minimising disruption to general traffic.
Seven Alstom sites in France mobilised to ensure the success of this project
The first extended tram was retrofitted at Alstom’s La Rochelle site. The extension of the remaining 33 trams will be carried out in Le Mans at the Setram1 workshops, by Alstom Services teams from La Rochelle and Crespin.
In total, seven Alstom sites in France are involved in the project:
. La Rochelle and Crespin, for the design, manufacturing and retrofitting of the trams;
. Le Creusot, for the bogies;
. Ornans, for the engines;
. Villeurbanne, for on-board electronics;
. Aix-en-Provence, for the tachometer units;
. Tarbes, for cooling units and power modules.
Environmentally friendly trams
Citadis trams are eco-designed, 92% recyclable and 99% reusable. They reduce energy consumption compared to previous generations of trams and incorporate air-conditioning systems that comply with the latest environmental regulations.
To date, Alstom has sold more than 3,000 trams from the Citadis portfolio to 70 cities in 20 countries worldwide (including 25 cities in France). Citadis trams have travelled more than 1 billion kilometres and carried 10 billion passengers since the first tram entered service in 2000.
ALSTOM™ and Citadis™ are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group.
1.Société d'économie mixte des transports en commun de l'agglomération mancelle, which means ‘Mixed-ownership public transport company for the Le Mans metropolitan area’
www.alstom.com
