---
title: Denmark launches its second tramway with SYSTRA
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/denmark-launches-its-second-tramway-with-systra/"
type: post
date_published: 2022-06-14
date_modified: 2022-06-14
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 492
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/denmark-launches-its-second-tramway-with-systra/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/odense.jpg"
categories:
  - Non classé
---

# Denmark launches its second tramway with SYSTRA

![Denmark launches its second tramway with SYSTRA](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/odense.jpg)

A new tram has recently been running in Odense. Located on the island of Fionie,
165km west of Copenhagen, it is Denmark’s third largest city, with a population
of more than 200,000, and the second city in the country to be equipped with a
tramway, five years after Aarhus. What these two networks of ‘letbane’, the
local name for trams, have in common is SYSTRA’s participation as an engineer.

## A tramway for Andersen’s home town

SYSTRA acted as assistant to the project owner, first as co-contractor and then
as sub-contractor to the engineering firm COWI. We were involved in the early
stages of the technical design of this tramway, starting with the management of
the technical specifications, the environmental impact assessment, and the
preliminary studies. We then contributed to the review of the design studies,
assisted the client in the tendering process, and supervised the rolling stock
phase through to the testing and commissioning phases.

![](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/patrice-laville-1-731x1024.jpg)

> We were proud to take part in this emblematic project for the town and region.
> The inauguration marks the end of a long period in the development of public
> transport in Odense. The inauguration was the occasion for a large popular
> celebration, which proves the appeal of this mode of transport.  We look
> forward to helping Denmark transform again, as we are already doing with the
> [**automation of the S-Tog network**](https://www.systra.com/en/framework-contract-for-the-copenhagen-future-rail-network/)
> and for the
> [**electrification of the rail network**.](https://www.systra.com/en/systra-supports-the-electrification-of-the-danish-rail-network/)
> Patrice Laville, SYSTRA Project Manager

## Supporting the development of collective mobility

Behind the Odense tramway, the Danish authorities and our end client, the Odense
Letbaner organising authority, are aiming for a modal shift. The line runs
through the city centre and connects the main hubs of the city in 42 minutes.
From north to south, the line serves Odense Banegård Central Station, the new
University Hospital, the campus of Syddansk University, as well as two shopping
centres and the Odense Stadium. The integration of the equipment in the space
(catenary poles, overhead contact line, platforms, and signage) was designed to
be as discreet as possible.

## Back after 70 years of absence

From 1911 to 1952, Odense already had a tram network. This was replaced by
buses, which were considered faster and more flexible, like many lines in
France. At a time of energy transition and increasing transport needs, the
tramway has become an obvious choice. Two complementary branches are being
considered to develop this network in the future. The local authorities will
decide on the routes and timetable for this new phase in autumn 2022 at the
earliest.

## Key facts – Odense Tramway

- Length: 14.5km
- 26 stations
- Traffic forecast:
  - Up to 35,000 passengers/day
  - Up to 11 million passengers/year
- Travel time: 42 minutes from Tarup in the north to Hjallese in the south

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