Alstom and Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 19 to jointly assess the light rail transit and tramway markets.
The agreement will lead both companies to jointly contribute to the modernisation of existing tramway lines and the development of new lines in Japan. The study is expected to be completed within a year.
The MOU between Alstom and J-TREC is a first for both companies and is prompted by the on-going Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement discussions held between the Japanese government and the European Union.
The study will first focus on the existing LRT and tramway systems in place. Most of them have been in operation for over 30 years. In the event that the study indicates suitable possibilities, J-TREC and Alstom will work together to address the Japanese standards and localisation of the tram. Both partners are keen to explore the LRT and tram markets together and identify possible opportunities for Alstom’s state-of-the-art Citadis trams in Japan.
“We are pleased to be selected by J-TREC and thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside J-TREC in supporting Japan’s urban mobility projects,” said Kuniki Nakamori, country president and chairman of Alstom K.K, Japan.
