Algiers chooses ALSTOM : Entreprise du Métro d’Alger (EMA) has chosen an international consortium led by ALSTOM Transport to supply an EUR225 million turnkey system for the first tramway line of the Algerian capital.

Algiers' first tramway line will link the city centre to the Eastern part of the capital and will be 16.3 km long with 30 stations. It is expected to carry 150,000 passengers daily in Citadis low-floor trams.. The first vehicles will enter service 30 months after the contract takes effect.

A second stage will add another line to bring the system to 23 km. This is the first of several tramway developments in Algeria. The city of Oran is out to tender for a three-line system, while Constantine expects to open a 9-km line by 2009. Tramway studies are in progress in Skikda and Annaba.

15 June 2006 - Updated 19 June