Lausanne to receive three additional Alstom metros for m2 line

Alstom has received an order to supply three additional metros for the m2 line in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Transports Publics de la Région Lausannoise SA (tl) originally placed an order for 15 train sets in October 2008, three additional automatic, rubber-tyred Alstom metros, consisting of two cars, will now join the fleet.

The m2 line is regarded as a tl network commercial success with constantly increasing numbers of passengers. In 2014 28 million passengers utilised the m2 metro line, its popularity is now is leading tl to increase its fleet. Delivery of the three new train sets is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017 with entry into service planned for the last quarter of the same year. The m2 line is said to be feat of engineering, being the world’s only rubber-tyred metro capable of operating on a slope with a gradient of 12%.

Alstom, who carried out the track laying and supplied the signalling equipment and electrical substations during construction of the m2 line, will build the additional trains at its Valenciennes site in France. The construction work will also be aided by various Alstom entities in Europe including the Swiss site in Neuhausen.

Herman Van der Linden, Managing Director of Alstom Transport in Switzerland, commented on the order: “Alstom is proud to pursue its collaboration with tl, one of the company’s historic clients in Switzerland. Because of its modernity and technology, the m2 metro of Lausanne represents a technological showcase for customers all over the world.”