Tramway Français Standard
| Company type | Product model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tram manufacturing |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Defunct | Production ceased (date not specified) |
| Fate | Replaced by Alstom Citadis range |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | French tram networks including Nantes, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Île-de-France, Rouen; also Gaziantep, Turkey (ex-Rouen vehicles) |
| Products | Tramcars (TFS-1 and TFS-2 models) |
| Owner | Alstom |
| Parent | Alstom |
The Tramway Français Standard (TFS) represents a tram model engineered and produced by Alstom for several French tram networks. Production of the TFS has ceased, having been succeeded by the Alstom Citadis range of tramcars.
Two articulated variants were created. The TFS-1 debuted on the Nantes tram network in 1985 as a six-axle, single-articulated, high-floor tram featuring stepped boarding from low platforms. Subsequently, all original TFS-1 vehicles underwent modifications to include a low-floor central section, transforming them into eight-axle, double-articulated trams. Nantes also acquired further TFS-1 units in this upgraded eight-axle configuration.
The TFS-2 model was specifically designed for the Grenoble tram network. Like the TFS-1, it has six axles but incorporates a distinctive articulation with a short central segment mounted on a four-wheel bogie. This design allows for a predominantly low-floor interior space between the wheels, while the end sections remain elevated and accessed via three steps. All passenger doors are positioned within the low-floor zone. Due to its improved accessibility features, subsequent operators of TFS trams adopted the TFS-2 design.
Technical specifications
The TFS-2 trams are articulated units measuring 29.40 meters in length and weighing 44.2 tonnes. They are not capable of multiple-unit operation but can be coupled using an emergency coupling mechanism in urgent situations, with a maximum speed restriction of 10 km/h during such operations.
Key technical data:
| Length | 29.40 m (96 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 2.30 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Height | 3.36 m (11 ft 0 in) |
| Gross weight | 44.2 tonnes |
| Power output | 550 kW |
| Top speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) |
| Passenger capacity | 52 seated / 125 total |
Vehicle body
This tramcar is built on a 2.30-meter-wide chassis with a central frame that supports one pantograph. It rides on three bogies: one located at each end and one positioned under the middle section.
Only the center segment features a lowered floor height of 340 mm to facilitate disabled access through four doors. The front and rear sections have raised floors at 880 mm, reached via small staircases consisting of three steps.
Propulsion
Each of the two outer bogies contains an electric motor rated at 275 kW, delivering strong acceleration suitable for steep inclines and frequent stops, with a maximum speed capability of 70 km/h.
Operation
These trams are operated by a single driver who manages onboard functions and door controls. Most units utilize a single control lever that combines acceleration and braking functions and incorporates a dead man's switch for safety. However, versions used in Saint-Étienne employ pedal controls consistent with earlier PCC models. The vehicles are equipped with communication systems including land-train radio, an ICS, infrared SAM, and onboard switch control mechanisms.
Fleet
TFS and its derivatives are deployed across all lines within the tram networks of Nantes, Grenoble, and Saint Étienne, as well as on the Île-de-France tramway Line 1 operated by the RATP Group north of Paris. They formerly ran on Île-de-France tramway Line 2 west of Paris and in Rouen tramway until being replaced by Alstom Citadis models in 2002 and 2012 respectively. Trams from Paris line 2 were reassigned to line 1 after withdrawal, while ex-Rouen vehicles were relocated to Gaziantep, Turkey in 2013.
| Network | Line | Construction year | Model | Quantity | Fleet numbers |
| Nantes | 1 | 1985 | TFS-1 | 20 | 301–320 |
| 2 | 1988 | 8 | 321–328 | ||
| 3 | 1991–1992 | 6 | 329–334 | ||
| 4 | 1993–1994 | 12 | 335–346 | ||
| Grenoble tramway | 1 | 1987 | TFS-2 | 20 | 2001–2020 |
| Grenoble tramway | 2 | 1989 | 15 | 2021–2035 | |
| Grenoble tramway | 3 | 1991–1992 | 3 | 2036–2038 | |
| Grenoble tramway | 4 | 1995–1997 | 15 | 2039–2053 | |
| Rouen tramway | 2 | 1994 (retired 2012) | TFS-2 (now operating in Gaziantep) | 28 | 801–828 |
| Saint-Étienne tramway | 1 | 1991 | TFS-2 derivative | 15 | 901–915 |
| 2 | 1998 | 20 | 916–935 | ||
| Tramways in Paris | 1 | 1992 | "TFS-2" (Île-de-France tramway Line 1) | 17 | 101–117 |
| Tramways in Paris | 2 | 1996–1997 | TFS-2 (Île-de-France tramway Line 1, previously line 2) | 18 | 118–119 & 201–216 |