Casablanca chooses Alstom’s Citadis for its future tramway network

Casa Transports, the public company in charge of the construction of the tramway network in Casablanca, Morocco, has chosen Alstom for the delivery and maintenance of 74 Citadis trams. This contract has a firm tranche of approximately €120 million. The deal also includes options for the supply of additional trainsets, as well as maintenance of the fleet over a 15-year period. The total value of this contract, including the firm tranche, options and maintenance, amounts to over €190 million.

Alstom Transport will supply Citadis trams coupled in double units of 65 metres total - a configuration similar to the trainsets currently under construction for Rabat. This will optimise spare parts and maintenance costs of both networks. The first trainsets will be delivered to Casa Transports 24 months after the contract becomes effective, with entry into commercial service expected for December 2012. The 74 Citadis trams will be operated on a 30-km line crossing the city from east to west. It is expected to carry up to 250,000 passengers per day.

Present in Morocco for over 40 years, Alstom is supporting the development of the Moroccan rail network which is a key component of the country’s development. Alstom has already supplied 27 electric locomotives to the ONCF (the Moroccan state-owned railway operator) since 1992, while 20 next-generation Prima locomotives are currently being delivered. Alstom has also supported the Moroccan rail network by doubling the tracks on the Fez-Meknes line, in service since June 2007, and by modernising the signalling system of 900 km of lines and 60 stations, including Casablanca station. Alstom is also building 22 double units trainsets for the Rabat tramway and is involved in a project to build a very high speed link between Tangiers and Kenitra, underlining its highly active role in supplying Morocco with innovative and environmentally-friendly transport solutions.