French rail operator RATP Group has won the contract to build and run a new tram network linking Rio de Janeiro with the city’s regenerated port district.
RATP will work alongside Brazilian partners CCR, OTP (Odebrecht Transport) and Invepar to deliver the project in time for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Once complete, the network will feature 42 stations and stretch 28 km across the city, connecting the Porto Maravilha area with the Rio 2016 press village, the business district, central station, maritime terminal and Santos Dumont airport.
Building a new light rail network is part of a wider strategy of economic and cultural redevelopment in Rio’s port area.
The first 14 km section of the line is scheduled to enter into service at the end of 2015, ahead of the Olympic Games.
RATP Dev executive board chairman François-Xavier Perin said: “Thanks to this partnership involving CCR, OTP and Invepar, RATP Dev has taken a new step in participating in the leading PPP projects in Brazil.”
The consortium has selected Alstom to supply rolling stock and systems.
RATP Dev ha said it will train staff, monitor construction, conduct operational trials, launch the service and operate the new tramway.
