Alstom to build Tram Network in Dubai

The ABS consortium of Alstom, Besix and Sercoa has signed a contract with Dubai’s Road Transport Authority for the execution of phase 1 of the Al Safooh tram network in Dubai, with an option for phase 2. Phase 1 of the project is worth over €550 million, with Alstom’s share amounting to nearly €300 million.

The project, which should go into commercial service in 2011, will initially include the provision of 11 trams and the construction of a 10 km line with 13 stations. Phase 2 would involve another 14 trams as well as an additional 4 km of track and six stations. Dubai will be the first city in the Gulf region to be equipped with a tramway transit system.

Al Safooh tram stops will be fitted with specially designed automatic platform doors to enable street-level air-conditioning for maximum passenger comfort. This system is a world first for an outdoor tram station.

Alstom Transport will provide Citadis 402 type tramways equipped with the catenary-free APS technology, as well as the signalling and ticketing system. In operation in Bordeaux (France) since 2003, and ordered by the French cities of Reims, Angers and Orléans, the APS technology is a street level power supply system  which allows to avoid traditional catenaries, in order to protect the integrity of historical city centres and high quality architectural environment. This cutting-edge technology fits with the modernity of the city of Dubai.

To date, over 1166 Citadis have been ordered by 29 cities across the world and more than 60 other cities have a tramway project scheduled for the next few years. This type of modern tramway is becoming popular in urban transport policy because they make it possible to offer sustainable mobility, to rethink and re-energize urban space, to preserve architectural heritage or fit with cutting edge architectural projects and contribute to city growth.

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