A world leader in smart and sustainable mobility, Alstom is celebrating the successful operation of its Cuenca tramway for 2 years.

The tramway started operation on the 22nd of September 2019 and now transports approximately 19,000 passengers each day

The Municipality of Cuenca which oversees the operations and maintenance system aims to increase its number of passengers each day from an already impressive 19,000 to a goal of 40,000 per day. 

Cuenca is a historic walled town and also a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO back in 1999. The city has recently become very popular with tourists and its transport system is well used by both visitors and local residents.

Javier Díaz, Director of the Cuenca Tramway Project for Alstom, said: “We are very happy and proud with the two years of successful and uninterrupted operation of the Alstom tram in Cuenca, particularly knowing that we are contributing to the smart and sustainable mobility of the municipality, with the delivery of a high-quality product and system in partnership with our client and that it brings many benefits to its citizens.”

A contract for the project saw Alstom and its consortium partners design, deliver, integrate and test the entire system. The vast contract also included 14 Alstom Cities trams, the power supply system, depot equipment, telecommunications and railway signalling equipment. The network features 27 stops covering an area of 20.4 kilometres with the route visiting places of importance such as El Arenal Market which sees great commercial activity, the Historic Centre, the Bus Terminal, the Mariscal Lamar Airport and Industrial Park.

The Alstom Cities trams measure 33 metres in length and are part of the latest generation of modern, fast, silent, inclusive and low CO2-emission vehicles. Each of the trams can carry 280 people which would be the equivalent of three buses and when taken into account the electric mobility system creates a reduction in greenhouse gas pollution and carbon emissions.

Alstom’s APS system is also featured in the trams and creates the energy required for operation via a third rail which is located in the ground. This innovative technology allows Cuenca to maintain its stunning architecture and landscape without the distraction of a catenary. Alstom’s impressive APS system has also been installed in a number of cities all over the world.

Accessibility is high on the agenda for Cuenca’s transportation system and all of its trams feature low floors and wide doors which easily provide full access for those with reduced mobility or those travelling with children in pushchairs, bicycles, pets or luggage.