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URBAN TRANSIT NEWS

Orleans opening due: M. Jean-Pierre SUEUR, Mayor of the French city of Orleans has announced that the French Prime Minister M. Lionel JOSPIN will formally open the Pont de l'Europe and the new tramway system on Monday 20th November. Following this inauguration, the bus and tram network will be free from the 24th until the 26th November to everyone to encourage them to discover the tram as well as the new bus network. Normal operation will commence on Monday 27th November.

The 18km line has 24 stops and cost an estimated FFR1873 million. It will be operated by a fleet of 22 ALSTOM Citadis cars with a capacity of 174, the last of which is not due for delivery until January 2001.

Details of the system can be found at the following official and unofficial sites
18 November 2000

Orleans opens: The official opening by the French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was followed by a tour of this remarkable 18 km system, built in just two years. The inauguration ceremonies were followed by a champagne reception for 1300 invited guests.

The following pictures from the opening day were supplied by Micheal Marwick from his Edinburgh site where more pictures and information can be found. He reports that "Orleans has a population of 260,000 and some of the most exciting modern trams and tramway architecture and design in the world. A city with architectural heritage not unlike the centre of Edinburgh has risen to the occasion, and has produced a tram system of sensitivy and beauty of which the French are truly (and rightly) proud."

25 November 2000

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