Tram 1
A very short extension ( 900 m) was opened in October 2019 at the western end of the line between Gennevilliers Les Courtilles and Asnières Quatre Routes. There are two further extensions westwards planned;
- the first one across Colombes (5.5 km, 11 stops, 27 minutes). Opening estimated 2023, but the extension is not funded at this date.
- the second one from Petit-Colombes across Nanterre and into Rueil-Malmaison (7.5 km, 15 stops, 26 mins). Opening estimated 2027 / 2030, after completion of the previous stage.
Tram 1 in the Seine-Saint-Denis(93) was opened in 1992. A fleet of 35 Alstom TFS trams (designed in the 1980's) operates the line - (photos opposite) The fleet is no longer suited to the traffic levels. An invitation to bid was issued on July 2, 2019 for up to 120 new trams, including an initial firm requirement for 37 trams. The specifications are for vehicles 33 mètres long, 2,40 m wide, low level access, 6 doors, a capacity of 220. (The shorter TFS trams have a capacity of 178 ).
During the next 2 1/2 years, the tram stops along the route will be adapted (lengthened to 30m, in some cases repositioned and modified for wheel chair access). Due to space restrictions, the Tram 1 stop at Saint-Denis SNCF station will be moved to the west side of the SNCF station. The new trams will be delivered from the second half of 2022. Extra space has to be found in the Bobigny depot for them.
Tram 7
The first section of this line was opened in November 2013. It runs from Villejuif to Athis-Mons via Rungis and Orly airport (photo opposite), 11.2 km with 18 stops. Originally, it was planned to extend the line along a second section of 3.8 km to Juvisy SNCF station (RER C + D). Completion was expected in 2019. However, at this date, no construction work has started.
Since the Declaration of Public Utility in November 2013, local elections took place Juvisy and the new town council opposed the project. They refused the 800 m tunnel under the municipal park (cutting down trees) and the suppression of numerous parking spots in the town centre. Ignoring the completion of the first section of T7 at a cost of 330 million euros, Juvisy town council proposed a bus service for the second section !
Although town councils have no legal right of veto on this kind of project, in practice, work cannot take place in the town without agreement of the mayor. Local elections took place again in March. Maybe some progress will be made soon to complete Tram 7.
Tram 9
The next new tramway to open will be Tram 9. Construction is proceeding for an opening planned for the end of 2020. The line will run from Porte de Choisy to Orly Ville and will replace bus line 183. At Porte de Choisy, passengers will be able to change to Tram 3a or Metro Line 5. Tram 9 will be a busy line with up to 80,000 passengers expected, daily. There will be 23 Alstom trams of the latest generation. 4 trams have already been delivered
by the beginning of March 2020.
Construction of the tram depot is nearing completion. Opposite is a link to a short video
which explains and illustrates the choice of the site and stages of
construction .