Dynamic testing of the T12 tram-train has begun along the entire line south of Paris. The 20.4-kilometre route will connect Massy to Évry-Courcouronnes in 39 minutes, passing through 13 municipalities in the Essonne department. Following the testing phase, this new line will be put into service by Ile-de-France Mobilités in early December 2023.
The new line will provide a connection between Massy-Palaiseau station (RER B) and Évry-Courcouronnes station (RER D), crossing the municipalities of Champlan, Longjumeau, Chilly-Mazarin, Épinay-sur-Orge, Savigny-sur-Orge, Morsang-sur-Orge, Viry-Châtillon, Grigny, Ris-Orangis, and Courcouronnes. It is estimated to serve 40,000 passengers per day, with a 10-minute waiting time between trams during peak hours. The upcoming T12 tramway will operate on both the existing national rail network, using the tracks of the RER C, and recently developed urban tracks.
The infrastructure for the project costs 526 million euros and is funded by 4 per cent from SNCF, 5 per cent from the IDF region, 10 per cent from the Essonne department, and 30 per cent from the French State. Additionally, an additional 145 million euros, fully covered by IDFM, is allocated for rolling stock, consisting of 25 Alstom Dualis trains. The operation and maintenance of the line will also be ensured by IDFM. The line will be operated by Transkéo.
The Dualis tram will have a transport capacity of 251 passengers, with 92 seats. It will run in a double configuration (two coupled trains), allowing for the transportation of over 500 passengers. The vehicle’s total length will be 84 metres, and the width will be 2.65 metres. The 23 T12 tram-train sets are manufactured and assembled in France at Alstom’s site in Valenciennes – Petite-Forêt. The financing for these trains has been secured.
Testing Phase
On May 4, 2023, the T12 tram made its first journey to Évry-Courcouronnes, travelling at a significantly reduced speed and making stops at the following three stations: Traité de Rome – Bois Briard – Évry-Courcouronnes. The terminus is located in the city centre, in close proximity to the RER D station, the university, and the city hall.
Testing has been taking place on the tracks of the national rail network since January. Now, testing continues on the urban section. The objectives of the dynamic testing are to validate the movement of the trains and the proper functioning of the teams when the tram passes, familiarise pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists with the tram-train crossings, and train the drivers. The next step in the testing phase is the “marche à blanc,” which will begin in September 2023, serving as a dress rehearsal before the tram train is put into service at the end of 2023.