France: CAF to Supply 19 Urbos Trams for Tours’ New Tram Line

CAF has secured a contract with the Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine to provide 19 Urbos trams for the upcoming Line 2 in Tours, France.

This new fleet is part of the expansion of the city’s transport system, linking the communes of La Riche and Chambray-lès-Tours.

In addition to the trams, the contract includes the delivery of depot parts and special tools required for maintenance and operation.

The new trams will be designed in line with those currently in use on Tours’ existing Line 1. Each tram will be 42 metres long and have the capacity to carry up to 280 passengers. The design prioritises accessibility, featuring a low-floor structure that facilitates easy boarding for people with reduced mobility, as well as space for prams, bicycles, and wheelchairs.

The 19 trams will be adaptable for both Line 1 and the upcoming Line 2. An important feature of these vehicles will be their ability to operate without overhead lines in certain sections of the city, thanks to onboard energy storage modules. Specifically, on the 2-kilometre stretch between the Tours railway station and Choiseul Square in the city’s historic centre, the trams will be able to run independently. This technology offers a solution that eliminates the need for traditional catenary systems, which can be intrusive in urban environments, and reduces infrastructure costs.

Tours’ new Line 2 will span 12.5 kilometres, linking 22 stations across the city. Scheduled to open in 2028, it aims to improve connectivity between the city’s tram and bus networks, while promoting sustainable transport options such as cycling and walking through the development of pedestrian-friendly spaces and cycle lanes.