{"id":1314,"date":"2026-09-26T22:31:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T22:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/?p=1314"},"modified":"2026-09-26T22:31:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T22:31:28","slug":"caf-secures-major-contract-to-supply-19-urbos-trams-for-tours-expanding-line-2-network-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/?p=1314","title":{"rendered":"CAF Secures Major Contract to Supply 19 Urbos Trams for Tours\u2019 Expanding Line 2 Network"},"content":{"rendered":"

TOURS, FRANCE<\/strong> \u2014 In a milestone development for urban mobility in central France, rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has officially signed a contract with the Syndicat des Mobilit\u00e9s de Touraine<\/em> (SMT). The agreement mandates CAF to supply a fleet of 19 state-of-the-art Urbos trams destined for the city of Tours\u2019 highly anticipated future tramway Line 2. <\/p>\n

Beyond the manufacture and delivery of the 19 modern rail vehicles, the comprehensive contract also encompasses the provision of associated fleet spare parts and specialized maintenance tools, ensuring long-term operational reliability for the local transit authority. This major procurement initiative forms the backbone of an ambitious regional transportation strategy aimed at reshaping urban transit, reducing carbon emissions, and seamlessly connecting key residential, educational, and medical hubs across the Tours metropolitan area.<\/p>\n

\n

Main Facts: Fleet Specifications and Modern Design<\/h2>\n

The newly commissioned CAF Urbos trams have been carefully engineered to meet the demanding capacity and accessibility standards of a modern European city. Measuring 42 meters in length, each bi-directional vehicle is designed to accommodate up to 280 passengers, offering a high-capacity transit solution capable of absorbing growing commuter volumes along the urban corridor.<\/p>\n

To ensure inclusivity and effortless navigation for all passengers\u2014including the elderly, individuals with reduced mobility, and parents with young children\u2014the trams feature a fully low-floor interior layout. Furthermore, the vehicles incorporate dedicated multipurpose areas specifically designed to securely accommodate strollers, bicycles, and wheelchairs, reflecting contemporary urban design principles that prioritize active and multi-modal travel.<\/p>\n

Aesthetic continuity and operational flexibility have also been prioritized. The exterior and interior design of the new Urbos trams will closely mirror the vehicles currently in successful service on Tours\u2019 existing Tramway Line 1. This standardization not only fosters a cohesive visual identity for the city\u2019s public transit network but also simplifies driver training, vehicle maintenance, and fleet management.<\/p>\n

Crucially, the rolling stock is engineered for complete interoperability, allowing the new Urbos trams to operate fluidly across both the upcoming Line 2 and the pre-existing Line 1 network. To navigate sensitive historic urban sectors without disrupting the visual heritage of Tours, the trams will be equipped with advanced onboard energy storage modules. This cutting-edge technology enables catenary-free operation along a critical 2-kilometer stretch traversing the historic city center between the Tours railway station and Place Choiseul. By eliminating overhead wires in this architectural conservation zone, the project preserves the picturesque urban landscape while simultaneously reducing the civil engineering and infrastructure costs associated with traditional overhead catenary systems.<\/p>\n

\n

Chronology: The Evolution of Tours\u2019 Tramway Network<\/h2>\n

The journey toward the realization of Line 2 is the result of decades of strategic urban planning, public consultation, and phased infrastructure development. Understanding the timeline of public transit in Tours highlights the transformative nature of the current expansion.<\/p>\n

Phase 1: The Rebirth of Modern Rail (1990s \u2013 2013)<\/h3>\n

For much of the 20th century, like many mid-sized European cities, Tours relied primarily on bus networks to manage public transit. However, rising congestion, environmental concerns, and the need to revitalize the urban core led municipal leaders to reconsider a fixed-guideway rail system. Decades after the closure of the city’s original historical tram network, planning for a modern system crystallized in the late 2000s.<\/p>\n

The culmination of this effort was the grand opening of Tramway Line 1 in September 2013<\/strong>. Spanning approximately 15 kilometers, Line 1 connected the northern district of Tours (Vier-Septembre \/ Beffroi) with the southern suburb of Jou\u00e9-l\u00e8s-Tours. Utilizing CAF Urbos vehicles equipped with similar catenary-free technology for sensitive architectural zones, Line 1 was an immediate success, surpassing daily ridership forecasts and proving the viability and popularity of modern light rail among local residents.<\/p>\n

Phase 2: Conceived Need and Feasibility Studies for Line 2 (2015 \u2013 2020)<\/h3>\n

Buoyed by the success of Line 1, the Syndicat des Mobilit\u00e9s de Touraine<\/em> (then known as Syndicat des Transports de l’Agglom\u00e9ration Touraine<\/em>, or SITCAT<\/em>) initiated comprehensive feasibility studies for a second east-west tram axis. Initial routing proposals underwent extensive public debates and environmental impact assessments between 2016 and 2019. <\/p>\n

The primary objective was to connect densely populated zones that lacked rapid transit access, specifically linking the western commune of La Riche to Chambray-l\u00e8s-Tours in the southeast, passing directly through the heart of Tours.<\/p>\n

Phase 3: Project Approval and Civil Engineering Kickoff (2021 \u2013 2024)<\/h3>\n

Following formal public inquiries and municipal approvals, the definitive route for Line 2 was locked in at 12.5 kilometers long, featuring 22 strategically placed stations. Civil engineering and preliminary utility relocation works commenced in earnest, marking the physical beginning of the multi-year construction phase. Concurrently, regional authorities coordinated complementary urban renewal projects, redesigning public squares, planting thousands of trees, and expanding cycling lanes alongside the future tram corridor.<\/p>\n

Phase 4: Rolling Stock Procurement and Target Launch (2025 \u2013 2028)<\/h3>\n

With civil works well underway, 2025 marked a pivotal commercial milestone: the formal contract award and signing between SMT and CAF for the delivery of the 19 Urbos tram vehicles. <\/p>\n

Over the next three years, manufacturing, rigorous factory testing, and track integration will take place. The grand opening and commercial entry into service for Line 2 are firmly scheduled for 2028<\/strong>, representing a watershed moment for the metropolitan region’s transportation infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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Supporting Data: Project Metrics and Regional Demographics<\/h2>\n

To fully grasp the magnitude of the Line 2 project, it is essential to examine the quantitative data underpinning its design, route geography, and socio-economic impact.<\/p>\n

Route and Infrastructure Statistics<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Total Length:<\/strong> 12.5 kilometers, bridging the western and southeastern peripheries of the metropolitan area.<\/li>\n
  • Terminal Points:<\/strong> La Riche (West) to Chambray-l\u00e8s-Tours (Southeast), cutting across the municipal territory of Tours.<\/li>\n
  • Number of Stations:<\/strong> 22 modern, fully accessible stations equipped with real-time passenger information systems and ticket vending infrastructure.<\/li>\n
  • Catenary-Free Section:<\/strong> 2 kilometers traversing the historic city center between Tours railway station and Place Choiseul, utilizing advanced onboard energy storage technology.<\/li>\n
  • Fleet Size:<\/strong> 19 CAF Urbos low-floor tram vehicles.<\/li>\n
  • Vehicle Dimensions:<\/strong> 42 meters in length per trainset.<\/li>\n
  • Passenger Capacity:<\/strong> Up to 280 passengers per tram, ensuring high throughput during peak morning and evening commuting hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Socio-Economic and Institutional Reach<\/h3>\n

    Tours is not merely a regional industrial or administrative center; it is a vibrant cultural hub globally renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture, historic ch\u00e2teaux, and its status as the historic gateway to the picturesque Loire Valley. The arrival of Line 2 is designed to complement this heritage by easing vehicular traffic congestion in tourist-heavy zones while modernizing the daily commute for local residents.<\/p>\n

    The geographic footprint of Line 2 has been meticulously planned to integrate vital public assets and high-density generators of commuter traffic:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Higher Education:<\/strong> The new line will directly serve major university campuses and academic facilities catering to nearly 30,000 students<\/strong>, dramatically simplifying student transit between residential districts and lecture halls.<\/li>\n
    • Healthcare Infrastructure:<\/strong> The route establishes fast, direct connections to major hospitals and medical centers in the metropolitan area, ensuring reliable emergency and staff access.<\/li>\n
    • Recreation and Culture:<\/strong> The corridor links numerous civic, cultural, sports, and leisure facilities, encouraging citizens to utilize public transit for weekend and evening activities rather than private automobiles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n

      Official Responses and Stakeholder Perspectives<\/h2>\n

      The signing of the rolling stock contract elicited enthusiastic responses from regional leaders, transit authorities, and representatives from CAF, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving the project forward.<\/p>\n

      Perspectives from the Syndicat des Mobilit\u00e9s de Touraine<\/em> (SMT)<\/h3>\n

      Leadership at SMT emphasized that the acquisition of the 19 CAF Urbos trams represents a crucial step in fulfilling the region’s long-term climate and mobility commitments. In a joint statement, transport officials highlighted that the extension of the rail network is designed to offer a genuine, high-performance alternative to the private car.<\/p>\n

      \n

      "The selection of CAF for our Line 2 fleet ensures that Tours will continue to benefit from world-class, reliable, and visually harmonious public transport,"<\/em> noted a senior SMT representative. "By choosing a vehicle model that builds upon our positive experience with Line 1, we guarantee passenger familiarity, operational efficiency, and seamless network integration. Furthermore, the catenary-free technology allows us to modernize our transport network without compromising the architectural integrity of our historic city center."<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Perspectives from CAF Management<\/h3>\n

      For CAF, securing the Tours Line 2 contract is another significant victory in an increasingly competitive French urban rail market. Company executives pointed out that this contract reinforces CAF\u2019s reputation for delivering customized, technologically advanced, and environmentally sensitive light rail solutions.<\/p>\n

      \n

      "We are deeply honored by the renewed trust placed in CAF by the Syndicat des Mobilit\u00e9s de Touraine,"<\/em> stated a CAF spokesperson. "Our Urbos platform is specifically designed to adapt to the unique architectural and urban requirements of historic European cities like Tours. We look forward to delivering a fleet that not only meets the highest standards of passenger comfort and accessibility but also contributes meaningfully to the sustainable transformation of the Tours metropolitan area."<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      \n

      Implications: Urban Transformation, Intermodality, and Market Expansion<\/h2>\n

      The implementation of Tours Tramway Line 2 and the integration of the new CAF Urbos fleet carry profound implications for the city’s future development, environmental footprint, and industrial landscape.<\/p>\n

      1. Enhancing Multimodal Urban Mobility<\/h3>\n

      Line 2 is not operating in a vacuum; it is part of a holistic mobility strategy that prioritizes intermodality. The project explicitly aims to improve transfer efficiency between the new tramway and existing bus networks, regional rail services, and active mobility networks. <\/p>\n

      Concurrently with the construction of the tram tracks, municipal authorities are rolling out dedicated infrastructure to promote cycling and walking. Secure bicycle parking facilities will be installed at major tram stations, and continuous, protected bike lanes will parallel much of the 12.5 km route. This multi-pronged approach ensures that commuters can easily combine cycling with rail travel, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and fostering a healthier urban lifestyle.<\/p>\n

      2. Environmental Sustainability and Urban Beautification<\/h3>\n

      By shifting thousands of daily commuters from internal combustion engine vehicles to electricity-powered light rail, Tours will significantly cut its urban greenhouse gas emissions and particulate air pollution. The choice of catenary-free technology for the historic center demonstrates that environmental sustainability does not need to come at the expense of cultural heritage. <\/p>\n

      Moreover, the civil engineering works associated with Line 2 serve as a catalyst for urban renewal. Streetscapes along the entire corridor are being completely redesigned, replacing asphalt with green trackbeds (where grass and low-maintenance plants grow between the rails), planting hundreds of mature trees to combat the urban heat island effect, and widening pedestrian walkways.<\/p>\n

      3. Strengthening CAF\u2019s Strategic Footprint in France<\/h3>\n

      From an industrial perspective, this contract solidifies CAF\u2019s position as a dominant force in the French urban rail sector. Over recent years, the Spanish rolling stock manufacturer has systematically expanded its market share across France, securing major high-profile supply contracts in key metropolitan centers such as Montpellier<\/strong> and Marseille<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

      Winning the Tours Line 2 contract further validates CAF\u2019s competitive edge\u2014combining rigorous technical compliance, proven catenary-free power storage solutions, competitive pricing, and strong lifecycle maintenance support. As French cities increasingly pivot toward expanding their light rail networks to meet stringent national and European decarbonization targets, CAF is exceptionally well-positioned to capture upcoming rolling stock tenders.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Conclusion<\/h2>\n

      As construction of Tours Tramway Line 2 accelerates toward its scheduled 2028 inauguration<\/strong>, the formalization of the contract with CAF marks a decisive turning point. Combining state-of-the-art engineering, architectural sensitivity through catenary-free operation, high passenger capacity, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable intermodality, the 19 new Urbos trams will soon become a familiar and vital part of daily life in Touraine. <\/p>\n

      By bridging communities from La Riche to Chambray-l\u00e8s-Tours, serving tens of thousands of students and hospital patients, and linking cultural and recreational landmarks, the expanded tram network will propel Tours into a greener, more connected, and highly efficient future of urban mobility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      TOURS, FRANCE \u2014 In a milestone development for urban mobility in central France, rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has officially signed a contract with the Syndicat des Mobilit\u00e9s de Touraine (SMT). The agreement mandates CAF to supply a fleet of 19 state-of-the-art Urbos trams destined for the city of Tours\u2019 highly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":1313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[166],"tags":[199,224,167,112,198,102,36,197,129,171,170,168,169],"class_list":["post-1314","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-urban-transit","tag-contract","tag-expanding","tag-light-rail","tag-line","tag-major","tag-metro","tag-network","tag-secures","tag-supply","tag-tours","tag-trams","tag-transit","tag-urbos"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1314","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1314"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1314\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/therailchannel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}