Le Mans’ first extended tram entered commercial service ahead of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The vehicle is part of a project through which Alstom will extend the network’s 34 Citadis trams from 32 to 44 meters.
Alstom announced the entry into commercial service of the first extended tram in Le Mans, France, just a few days before the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Le Mans Métropole signed a EUR 57 million framework agreement with Alstom in 2024 to extend the existing Citadis trams. The contract includes extending the 34 trams from 32 to 44 meters, as well as modernizing certain onboard systems.
The first extended tram was delivered at the end of February 2026 and underwent a testing period to verify the vehicle’s functions and performance. The tram entered commercial service on June 10, ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
40% Greater Capacity
By extending the Citadis trams, the capacity of each vehicle increases by 85 passengers, equivalent to a 40% increase. Total capacity thus reaches 296 passengers per tram.
The extended trams are equipped with two additional double doors on each side to facilitate passenger boarding and alighting. Alstom notes that this modification is also important for people with reduced mobility.
The project also includes the modernization of existing systems, such as video surveillance and the speed control system, as well as the installation of new equipment, including lubrication and anti-drift systems.
More capacity without purchasing new trams
Alstom presents the extension of Citadis trams as a solution for increasing passenger numbers on the network without purchasing entirely new rolling stock.
The company notes that the project demonstrates the flexibility of the Citadis design, allowing for the transport of a larger number of passengers while reducing disruptions to general traffic.
The first extended tram was modified at the Alstom plant in La Rochelle. The remaining 33 trams will be extended right in Le Mans, at the Setram workshops, by Alstom Services teams from La Rochelle and Crespin.
Seven Alstom centers in France involved
In total, seven Alstom industrial sites in France are involved in the project. La Rochelle and Crespin are handling the design, manufacturing, and modification of the trams, while Le Creusot is supplying the bogies.
The Ornans plant is responsible for the motors, Villeurbanne for the on-board electronics, Aix-en-Provence for the tachometer units, and Tarbes for the cooling units and power modules.
Alstom emphasizes that the involvement of multiple French industrial sites allows the project to proceed on schedule and adapt the existing fleet to the current requirements of the Le Mans network.
Recyclable and reusable trams
Citadis trams are designed to be environmentally friendly, with a 92% recycling rate and a 99% reuse rate, according to Alstom. 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 over 3,000 Citadis trams to 70 cities in 20 countries, including 25 cities in France. Citadis trams have traveled over 1 billion kilometers and carried 10 billion passengers since the first vehicle entered service in 2000.
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