ALTRAC FAQs

Each state-of-the-art Alstom Citadis LRV is 67 metres long with the capacity to carry up to 450 passengers – more than nine standard buses.

From Circular Quay to Town Hall, the light rail is powered by an Aesthetic Power Supply (APS) or ‘third rail’ that runs between the tracks. The APS is only powered when the middle of the vehicle runs over the rail, making it safe for pedestrians and all road users to walk, cycle or drive over. Along the rest of the network, the LRVs are powered by overhead catenary wiring. This integrated solution maximises the energy regenerated into both the light rail system and power grid network in all operating conditions, which minimises the use of friction brakes.

The 190-hour driver training program involves classroom lessons, e-learning, simulator training and driving on the light rail network with a certified driver. The simulator recreates tram functions and handling characteristics, as well as real-world driving conditions and various scenarios, such as high pedestrian areas and peak hour traffic, to allow the driver to safely experience the different risks they may encounter out on the network. Read more at Driver-conductor at Transdev.  

Each LRV complies with the latest international requirements for passenger safety. Magnetic track brakes activate along with safety braking during emergencies, fire and smoke detectors provide alerts to the driver, door obstacle detection ensures the safety of boarding and alighting passengers, and a Master Controller alert ensures that the driver is notified when they let go of the controls, with emergency braking activated if they fail to react.

Each LRV has been fitted with onboard CCTV, as well as onboard passenger intercoms to contact the driver in case of emergency. CCTV is also in operation across every platform, with all cameras monitored by the Operation Control Centre to ensure passenger safety.

Each vehicle has been built with sustainability in mind. The LRVs have been designed to minimise the impact on the environment, as well as ensure energy efficiency is achieved through the use of electrical braking, permanent magnet motors, LED lights and sensor-based air-conditioning. Water-based paints and non-hazardous materials are also used in the construction and ongoing maintenance of each LRV.

The CBD and South East Light Rail network has been designed in accordance with the relevant standards and complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, making it accessible to all commuters with a disability. All vehicles have been designed with low floors (eliminating the need for boarding ramps), double doors, priority seating, dedicated wheelchair and pram areas, accessible onboard passenger intercoms, and LCD screens displaying travel information. Accessible Help Points are also available on each platform.

Delineation kerbs have been installed along the network to help balance safety with the broader needs of the working city. These kerbs help to separate LRVs from traffic, encourage crossing at pedestrian crossings, provide temporary safe pedestrian islands and discourage bicycles on tracks. There are no delineation kerbs in proximity to the Prince of Wales Hospital to allow for emergency vehicle access when required.

Each vehicle has a lifespan of 30 years. At the end of their lifespan, each vehicle is 98% recyclable.