IVECO S-Way CNG for Strasbourg tramway overhead line maintenance

The Strasbourg Transport Company (CTS) has acquired an Iveco S-Way CNG (compressed natural gas) rail vehicle for the maintenance and upkeep of the overhead lines of the Strasbourg tramway in France. Commissioned in spring 2025, it operates every night across the entire network, reaching work areas by road before being positioned on the tracks using its integrated bogies. This dual operation offers flexibility, responsiveness, and safety, ensuring optimal performance during nighttime maintenance hours.

CTS currently operates a dedicated fleet of four vehicles, including two track cleaning vehicles, a Daily CNG aerial work platform, and now, the Iveco S-Way CNG rail vehicle, which serves a dedicated team of seven technicians daily.

Thanks to the use of CNG, which reduces noise emissions, and its electric rail propulsion, this Iveco S-Way can operate between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m., minimizing the noise impact on residents—a crucial factor in densely populated urban areas.

“This CNG-powered S-Way meets our nighttime maintenance needs: stable on the rails and quiet when running on battery power, it also allows us to reduce our emissions thanks to natural gas, which aligns with the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg’s environmental focus,” explained Didier Fraulob, Head of the Overhead Line Maintenance Team. “When our teams are on site, it surprises Strasbourg residents because the vehicle moves on its own along the rails, as it is controlled directly from the platform.”

The supplied model is an Iveco S-Way 4×2 CNG truck with air suspension, equipped with a 340 hp engine, a 4.200 mm wheelbase, and fitted with a liftgate and front/rear bogies for railway operations. All the equipment, installed by Geismar Rail Industry Technologies & Services, is powered by a power take-off (PTO) that delivers 800 Nm of torque, ensuring power and control during work at height.