Alstom’s APS Technology Transforms Barcelona’s Tramway with Sustainable Innovation

Alstom’s APS technology debuts in Barcelona, transforming the tram network with innovation. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

11 November 2024 – Alstom has introduced its advanced ground-based APS technology in Barcelona, enabling the tramway to operate without needing catenary wires. This technology marks the first time APS is used in Spain, enhancing the tramway’s integration within the urban landscape and promoting sustainable mobility throughout the city.

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The new tramway extension spans two kilometers and can accommodate an additional 24,000 passengers per day, which significantly increases transit capacity. Consequently, this extension could reduce the number of cars entering Barcelona’s city center by around 2,000 daily, helping ease congestion and positively impacting the environment.

Improving Urban Mobility with Alstom’s APS Technology

The Metropolitan Transport Authority of Barcelona (ATM) inaugurated this tram extension today, marking a substantial step towards eco-friendly, accessible public transportation. Alstom’s APS technology aligns with Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable and equitable urban development, providing reliable and efficient transit for the city’s residents.

Alstom designed and supplied the APS system, a dynamic power-feeding technology that supplies energy via a third rail embedded in the track. As the tram travels over sections of this rail, they automatically activate and deactivate, ensuring maximum safety for pedestrians and road users throughout the route.

This installation allows uninterrupted tram operations in varying weather conditions without needing additional infrastructure. Alstom’s APS technology ensures that trams maintain consistent performance, even amid disruptions such as traffic incidents or other interruptions.

Expanding Barcelona’s Tramway Network with APS

Alstom’s APS technology is already in use across 11 cities on four continents, including locations like Bordeaux, Rio de Janeiro, and Sydney. With over 58 million kilometers traveled globally using APS, Alstom’s solution has established itself as an efficient and adaptable choice for tram networks worldwide.

The Barcelona tramway extension represents the first phase of a broader project aimed at connecting the city’s two tram networks, Trambaix and Trambesos. This extension, covering 3.9 kilometers and adding six new stops, aims to boost urban mobility by facilitating easier connections between the tram, Metro, and suburban networks. This improved connectivity helps reduce the city’s reliance on private vehicles.

Barcelona’s tramway, which began operations in 2004, includes two independent systems: Trambaix, which links the city with Baix Llobregat, and Trambesos, which connects to Sant Adrià de Besòs and Badalona. Together, these networks span 29.22 kilometers with 56 stops, serving over 30 million passengers annually.

This expansion, paired with new pedestrian spaces, bike lanes, and green areas, underscores Barcelona’s dedication to sustainable urban transformation. These improvements contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint while creating a healthier and more livable urban environment.

Alstom’s Commitment to Innovation in Spain

Alstom’s presence in Spain extends beyond introducing APS technology. The company, with more than 3,200 employees in the country, operates a rolling stock factory in Barcelona, a propulsion systems facility in the Basque Country, and various technology centers in Madrid. These centers focus on railway safety, digital mobility, maintenance, and signaling, furthering Alstom’s commitment to advancing sustainable transit solutions.

The successful integration of Alstom’s APS technology within Barcelona’s tram network is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainable urban development. This technology exemplifies how innovative solutions can enhance public transit systems, making cities like Barcelona more efficient and environmentally friendly for future generations.

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