Light Rail Projects in Nice & Lyon, France

Nice, France

In cities around the world, Veolia is collaborating with its city clients to implement transportation policies specifically designed to enhance city life and urban sustainability. We are helping create vibrant city centers free from traffic congestion, by implementing light rail and BRT systems that bring thousands of people into the city center.

An excellent example is the Nice, France light rail system, which was inaugurated in 2007. The line forms the backbone of an urban planning project. Its implementation stimulated restorative work on city landmarks and avenues. Freed of automobile traffic, the famous Massena and Garibaldi squares are now crossed by light rail vehicles with onboard batteries, so there are no overhead wires. The line is well integrated into the metropolitan area’s transit system and is covered by the same tickets and passes.

The first light rail line has received an enthusiastic response, and its 16 cars now carry over 50,000 people per day. Within a few months, total ridership on Nice’s public transit system increased by 20%. The project’s success is due to the expertise and experience of Veolia Transportation’s team and its close collaboration with the city.

Lyon, France

In 2006, Veolia Transport and its partners were awarded the 30-year concession contract for Leslys, a light rapid transit system for the eastern Lyons area that will connect the city's train station to the main airport. Leslys will run partly on legacy railroad track owned by the Rhône departmental council, the contracting authority for the project. When it goes into service in 2009, Leslys will make its 22-kilometer trip in 25 minutes, with two stops along the way.

Veolia Transport will be responsible for its operation and maintenance, staff training, commercial services and ticketing. We will offer tailor-made services through approximately 50 employees who will function as drivers and sales representatives. These drivers/representatives will also manage on-board sales, fare integration with the metro, TER regional express train, long-distance trains, more-personal reception and information, security for night services, and will support accessibility for people with reduced mobility.