The lucky ones who were able to climb in had, some of them, taken out their cell phones to immortalize the moment. Since Monday morning, the new Nantes tram trains have been running on the busy line 1. If there are only two at the moment, around sixty in total will gradually be put into service by 2027.
And the change is quite striking: beyond sporting a much more modern, “futuristic” look for some, the new trams are also much longer (48 meters). “They are capable of transporting 300 passengers, or 50 more than currently,” says Johanna Rolland, the mayor of Nantes (PS), who was obviously part of the first trip departing from Hôpital-Bellier station at 7:30 a.m.
Among the other big changes, the central aisles are wider, the double doors are eight in number, and the glass surfaces are significantly larger. “It’s more airy, we feel less crowded,” observes a young man. We’ll have to see during rush hours, because when there are people, there are people…” Two years late, the first travelers were also able to test the wooden benches and supports covered with black carpet, and discover the fifteen or so interactive screens which replace the line plans, above the doors.
Replace the old trams from 1985
Thanks to this “major investment” of 280 million euros, these new Alstom trainsets “more capacity, more accessible and more efficient” will gradually replace the 46 old trams from 1985, still in service. The metropolis indicates that adjustments, “particularly sound and lighting”, are still to be expected for a month, before the official inauguration.