CAF has been chosen by RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains), which operates the entire Marseille public transportation network, to supply 15 new trams.
The contract is worth €57 million and includes an option to increase the number of trams depending on the delivery of planned network extensions.
Besides the three tramway lines, RTM operates both underground lines as well as the bus and ferry services in the metropolitan area.
The new Urbos platform trams will consist of seven modules spanning a total length of 42.5 metres. The design is similar to that of the vehicles already operating in the city, with a livery that evokes marine motifs that Marseille is historically identified with.
The trams to be supplied by CAF will operate on the three existing lines on the network, with the T3 line soon to be extended to the north and south of the city.
This project forms part of the framework for the transport plan and mobility agenda of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, which seeks to improve its inhabitant’s standard of living by improving public transport infrastructures and services; specifically, the extension of the tramway network being one of the top priorities of the investment programme as it becomes the backbone of the Metropolis transport network.
Yet again, this exemplifies CAF’s commitment to the French market, where it has undertaken a significant number of projects. Noteworthy amongst these was last year’s contract as a consortium to supply 146 trains for the Paris RER B commuter line, the contract for 28 regional trains with an option for an additional 75 trains for SNCF, the projects to supply trams for the cities of Nantes, Besançon and St. Etienne, as well as the refurbishment of the train fleet on the Lyon metro system’s D line. Also worthy of note is the major contract which Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole awarded last June for the supply of 60 trams, which is the largest tram contract in France so far this year, which, together with this new contract, confirms CAF’s position as one of the world market leaders in this sector.
CAF has also recently finalised the purchase of the Reichshoffen manufacturing plant, located in the French region of Alsace, thereby strengthening its production capacity in France as part of its growth strategy in the country. This plant will join CAF’s plant in Bagnères de Bigorre, consolidating its position as the second largest player in the French railway industry.
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