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USA, 2 June 2023: Alstom has signed a contract with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to supply 130 electric streetcars worth over USD 718.2m (€ 667m).
Electric streetcars
The deal includes an option for an additional 30 streetcars. The custom-designed Citadis light rail vehicles (LRVs) will be tailored for North America, specifically for the historic streets of Philadelphia.
The new Citadis streetcars offer an energy-efficient solution, utilizing state-of-the-art traction technology that reduces energy consumption by 20% compared to standard light rail systems. They incorporate LED lights, sensor-based air-conditioning, and are 99% recyclable after 30 years of service.
Passenger comfort and accessibility are prioritized in these streetcars. They feature 100% full low floors with wider aisles, ramps at all doors for disabled access, audio and visual messaging systems for passenger information, and flexible interiors to accommodate varying capacity and passenger needs. The streetcars also provide designated spaces for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and bicycles. The aim is to enhance SEPTA’s service by improving speed, reliability, energy efficiency, and overall inclusivity.
Michael Keroulle, President of Alstom Americas, expressed pride in being chosen by SEPTA to supply the next-generation LRVs. He highlighted the positive impact the Citadis streetcars will have on Philadelphia’s transportation system, replacing the existing SEPTA fleet from the 1980s and providing a more accessible, comfortable, and modern experience for over 80,000 daily riders.
SEPTA’s seven trolley lines, spanning 68 miles, connect various communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County with the region’s major employment and healthcare centers, Center City and University City. The current trolley vehicles have served passengers since the early 1980s.
The streetcars will be manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York, complying with “Buy America” requirements. Alstom has made significant investments in the Hornell site, including the construction of a stainless-steel car body shell manufacturing facility, ensuring better quality control throughout the production process for SEPTA. The advanced propulsion systems for the streetcars will be manufactured at Alstom’s North American center of excellence in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, dedicated to advanced propulsion technology research, development, and engineering.
Citadis light rail vehicles
Alstom’s Citadis range of low-floor trams and light rail vehicles offers modern and energy-efficient transportation solutions for cities. The Citadis products are especially suitable for new lines and urban renewal projects, with various options for catenary-free operation. With over 1 billion kilometers traveled and 10 billion passengers transported, more than 3,000 Citadis vehicles have been ordered or are already in service across 70 cities worldwide, including Paris, Nice, Barcelona, and Sydney.
