Tunis Light Rail Development: A Case Study in Urban Rail Expansion

This article examines the evolution of Tunis’s light rail system, the Métro Léger, focusing on its infrastructure development, rolling stock acquisition, signaling and communication systems, and future expansion plans. The project’s aims were multifaceted: to alleviate the growing strain on Tunis’s road network due to increasing population and car ownership, to enhance the city’s public transport capacity, and to provide efficient and modern transit options for residents. The analysis will explore how these aims were addressed through strategic infrastructure investments, the adoption of modern rolling stock, and ongoing expansion initiatives. The project’s success is assessed by evaluating its impact on ridership, operational efficiency, and integration with the broader public transportation network within the city of Tunis. The integration of new technology and the challenges faced in adapting legacy infrastructure to accommodate modern rolling stock are key areas of discussion.

Infrastructure Development

The Tunis Métro Léger (Light Rail), initiated with preliminary studies in 1974, stands as a testament to Tunisia’s commitment to urban rail transit. A Siemens-led consortium secured the contract, establishing a 1,435mm (standard gauge) overhead-supplied surface network. Line 1, connecting Tunis Marine to Ben Arous, opened in 1985, marking a significant milestone. By 1992, the network had expanded to five lines, forming one of Africa’s most comprehensive urban rail systems. The design primarily features dedicated alignments, though many road crossings exist. The system integrates with the SNCFT (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens) heavy rail network at Place Barcelone, showcasing a largely radial network pattern centered around this key interchange. The initial infrastructure development focused on a practical and cost-effective approach, prioritizing functionality over extensive aesthetic considerations, reflective of the budgetary constraints and the technological standards of the time. This design philosophy prioritized speed and accessibility, utilizing existing road space where possible.

Rolling Stock Evolution

Tunis’s light rail fleet mirrors its technological evolution. Following the precedent set by the DÜWAG-MAN units used in the TGM (Tunis-Goulette-Marsa) re-equipment, a Siemens-led consortium provided 134 bidirectional DÜWAG 30m units between 1985 and 1988. These units, operating singly or in pairs, formed the backbone of the network for many years. However, the need for increased capacity and improved passenger comfort led to a tender process in 2003. This resulted in an order for 30 Alstom Citadis 302 five-unit low-floor sets, entering service in 2007. Unlike many Citadis deployments, these were integrated into an existing network, requiring modifications to the infrastructure. The Citadis trams, modified with enhanced dust protection, heat-resistant roof panels, and specialized window coatings to suit the local climate, included air conditioning – a significant upgrade for passengers. The unidirectional Citadis units operate coupled “back-to-back” to create ten-unit formations, dramatically enhancing passenger capacity to 668 passengers per formation.

Signalling and Communication Systems

While the onboard information systems of the Citadis units reflect modern standards, providing information in Arabic and French, the overall tram stop infrastructure lags behind European standards. This disparity highlights the varying priorities during the different phases of the project’s development; focusing on operational frequency and simple routings to mitigate the less sophisticated station information provision. The high service frequency and straightforward routing largely compensate for the less developed information systems at tram stops, however future development plans will need to address this imbalance to enhance the passenger experience and bring it more in line with international best practices. Modernizing signalling systems would also improve operational efficiency and capacity.

Future Expansion and Conclusion

The Tunis Métro Léger continues to expand. Following the initial Alstom Citadis order, further units were acquired, reflecting a sustained commitment to capacity augmentation. Significant infrastructure improvements are underway, with €15 million allocated to existing network enhancements and €16 million to overall system capacity increases. Planned extensions include a 5km extension of Line 4 to Mannouba University (€32 million) and a 6.8km branch from Line 1 to El Mourouj (€43 million). These expansions underscore the ongoing evolution of the network and its pivotal role in accommodating Tunis’s growing population. The integration of new technology, such as the Alstom Citadis units, alongside the existing DÜWAG fleet, represents a strategic approach to managing capacity increases and leveraging existing infrastructure. However, the project reveals the complexities of integrating modern systems into legacy networks, highlighting the need for careful planning and adaptation. Future projects should prioritize a more holistic approach, addressing infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling, and communication systems simultaneously to create a truly integrated and modern light rail network.

Company Information:

• SNCFT (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens): Tunisia’s national railway company.
• Transtu (Société des Transports de Tunis): Public transport operator in Tunis.
• Siemens: Global technology company involved in the initial infrastructure development and rolling stock supply.
• Alstom: Global transport company that supplied the Citadis trams.
• DÜWAG (Duewag): German rolling stock manufacturer (now part of Bombardier Transportation).