Angers Light Rail System Light Rail Revolution, France

France is experiencing a light rail revolution, and the 12^th new second generation opened in May 2006 demonstrates to the world that even smaller cities can sustain systems that have hitherto been considered unaffordable.

Angers, France’s 16^th largest city, is home to a brand new one-line 25 stop light rail line, with the potential for future development to serve other parts of the community. The city was also the 14^th in France – and the 24^th in the world – to place an order for Alstom Citadis trams.

This new system initially serves a third of the modest 156,000 population of Angers, but is important to the workers and the 30,000 students who attend the two universities in the city.

The French have developed a liking for tramways because they are customer friendly, reliable and have a positive effect on the environment when compared with motor cars and diesel-powered buses.

THE PROJECT

The Angers light rail system initially consists of one 12km line, which crosses the city from north to south. Daily ridership was around 35,000 upon opening, while revisions to the route will take the line straight through two new housing developments, increasing the case for more construction.

A June 2007 starting date has been earmarked. The trams will be inspired by the radical but inspired decision to use Alstom's new ground power supply instead of overhead wires on selected sections.

The current aim is for construction of the tramway to be completed by 2009 for a public opening in the same year, and for the cost to be contained at around €250m.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Like many other French cities, trams are making a return to Angers, rather than being entirely new. The original system dated back to 1886 and at its height covered 25km, with eight 1,000mm gauge lines. It was completely closed and lifted in 1949.

Today’s new system is based on 1,435mm (standard gauge) track with a 700V DC power supply – the same as all other French second generation tramways. The entire route of line 1 is built on a reserved trackbed for trams only and 70% of the route is grassed over, giving it an attractive and complementary feel.

However, the most revolutionary component of Angers Tramway will be the use of Alstom's new Alimentation Par le Sol (APS) – ground power supply – which avoids the need to install obstructive overhead centenary on selected city centre streets. This type of technology has been pioneered on France’s Bordeaux light rail system.

Using APS, the power is supplied to trams via a third rail positioned centrally between the running lines. It is made up of 8m long sections, which are separated by 3m long insulating sections, and energy is supplied to the rail by underground boxes every 22m. The electricity is then collected using two friction contactors located in the middle of the tram. To ensure safety-coded radio signals between the tram and the ground sees that power is only sent to the segment of rail when the tram covers it.

The biggest structural challenge is the construction of a new river crossing in the city centre. This bridge crosses the River Maine, which splits the city in two, and has provision for cycles and pedestrians, but not motor traffic except emergency vehicles.

To fit in with the narrow streets in the centre of Angers, there is a 300m bi-directional single line along the Rue de la Roe, which is just 9.6m wide.

A substantial maintenance facility occupies over 16,400m² of land for a nine-track depot, overhaul centre both for trams and permanent way vehicles, and a central control centre. The construction start date is January 2007.

ROLLING STOCK

The reliability of Alstom's Citadis tram has been a clear factor in its success, hence 800 orders worldwide. They have carried more than a billion passengers over a total distance of 76 million km.

The order for Angers comprises 17 Citadis trams, all 33m long. In service, 15 are required to provide a six minute interval service running at an average of 20km/h, with two vehicles in reserve.

SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATIONS

CCTV surveillance has been installed in the tram fleet to protect passengers, even though Angers is generally seen as a safe city. The system was installed during construction of the trams at Alstom's La Rochelle factory. Signalling is based around existing road junctions; with trams receiving priority at all times to ensure that schedules are maintained.

THE FUTURE

Angers is already looking towards the future of the system. A route for line 2 has already been devised, running from east to west across the city with an overlap with line 1 in the centre. This proposal is subject to the outcome of local elections in 2008, but local leaders are known to want to expand the tram network.

Two further lines are on the cards for development after 2010, although at this stage there is a possibility they will be built as busways, with provision for conversion to tramways in the future.

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