Strasbourg tramway

Strasbourg tramway
source
Name	Strasbourg tramway
Caption	A Alstom Citadis tram on line A.
Locale	Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
Transit type	Tram
Began operation	1994
System length	67.5 km
Stations	86
Ridership	320,000 daily (2019)
Operator	Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS)
Vehicles	Alstom Citadis
Track gauge	sg
El	750 V DC overhead
Map state	collapsed

Strasbourg tramway is a modern tram system serving the city of Strasbourg in the Grand Est region of France. Operated by the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS), it is a central component of the city's public transport network and a symbol of its urban renewal. The system is renowned for its extensive network, distinctive vehicle design, and role in promoting sustainable mobility within the European Parliament seat.

History

The original horse-drawn tram network, established in the late 19th century, was electrified in the early 20th century before being dismantled in 1960 in favor of bus and private car use. The decision to reintroduce trams was made in the 1980s by Mayor Catherine Trautmann, driven by growing traffic congestion and environmental concerns. The first modern line opened in 1994, connecting Hautepierre to Baggersee, and its immediate success spurred rapid expansion. This revival was a key part of a broader urban planning strategy that transformed public spaces like the Place Kléber and prioritized pedestrian zones, influencing other French cities like Bordeaux and Montpellier.

Network

The network comprises six lines (A, B, C, D, E, F) spanning approximately 67.5 kilometers, with 86 stations serving Strasbourg and several neighboring municipalities including Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Schiltigheim, and Hœnheim. Key interchange hubs include Homme de Fer, Place de la République, and Place des Halles. The lines radiate from the city center, connecting major destinations such as the European Parliament, Gare Centrale, the University of Strasbourg campuses, and the Parc des Expositions de Strasbourg. The system is fully integrated with the CTS bus network and regional TER trains operated by SNCF.

Rolling stock

The entire operational fleet consists of Alstom Citadis trams, a model also used in cities like Lyon and Dublin. The initial order was for the Citadis 403, a 43-meter-long articulated vehicle. Subsequent expansions introduced the longer Citadis 403 (five sections) and the high-capacity Citadis 403 (seven sections). These trams are characterized by their low-floor design for universal accessibility, large windows, and a distinctive livery of white and blue. The vehicles are maintained at the dedicated Depot of Cronenbourg facility, which also houses the network's control center.

Operations

The system operates from around 4:30 AM to past midnight, with reduced service on Sundays and public holidays like Christmas Day. Headways range from 4-5 minutes during peak periods to 10-15 minutes in the evening. Fares are managed through the CTS ticketing system, which includes short-duration tickets, rechargeable Badgéo smart cards, and integrated passes valid across the entire Eurométropole de Strasbourg transport network. Security is overseen by CTS agents and local police, with surveillance aided by onboard CCTV systems.

Future developments

Planned extensions aim to further integrate outlying suburbs, with studies underway for lines to Souffelweyersheim and the Port du Rhin district. The ongoing Tram-train project seeks to connect the core network to heavier rail lines, potentially reaching towns like Brumath and Barr. These projects align with the mobility policies of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg and funding frameworks from the French state and the European Union. Concurrent modernization efforts focus on enhancing station accessibility and deploying real-time passenger information systems.

Category:Tram transport in France Category:Transport in Strasbourg Category:1994 establishments in France