FRANCE: A consortium led by Systra has been appointed as project manager for the Medoc tram-train scheme, which will use the existing Bordeaux - Pointe de Grave railway to provide a tram service to Bruges and Blanquefort.

Opening is planned for December 2013, with the 7 km route to be shared by freight and TER regional services in the longer term. The design has to be fully compatible with the existing tram network, as the new line will connect to Line C at either Cracovie or Ravezies.

The consortium is organised in two parts. The Engineering team led by Systra includes COTEBA, INGEROP and ECCTA, while the Urban Development & Landscaping team comprises BLP and SIGNES.

Systra was responsible for managing construction of the Bordeaux tram network, and since July 2008 has been in charge of project management for four of the five Phase 3 expansion projects which will add a further 15 km.