LE MANS: THE NEW TRAMWAY RACES AHEAD

A new tram system is planned for Le Mans in France. The decision to build the tramway was taken in November 2001 after a period of public consultation. The tram should be inaugurated in 2006. The tramway will be run by the Le Mans bus operator SETRAM. SNCF is interested in creating a number of 'tram-train' lines with connections between the railway and tramway tracks. The tramline is meant to upgrade the quality of urban life in Le Mans. Although the city is small, the tramline is justified by the high volume of traffic. All the trams will be low-floor vehicles with air conditioning and large, wide windows. The tramline will be double-track, standard-gauge, and 750 V dc with overhead catenary. The line will be on the median strip of existing roads. Grassed tracks will be the preferred solution, to keep other vehicles out. A fleet of 23 trams will be ordered. The tram will connect the University in the north of the city via the railway station to the Le Mans race circuit in the south.