FRANCE: Transport Minister Natahalie Kosciusko-Morizet announced the final tranche of light rail, metro and bus funding allocations under the Grenelle de l’Environnement on February 9.
The announcement covers a total of €590m allocated to 78 urban transport projects in 54 conurbations outside Ile-de-France. These include 29 tram projects (152 km), two metro projects (14 km) and 45 bus corridors (456 km).
The city of Lille will receive €9·1m to improve services on metro Line 1 while Rennes will get €90·7m towards the construction of metro Line B. The 14 km automated line will be built by Siemens and is due to open in 2018.
The projects were selected on the basis of their contribution to air quality and addressing climate change; improving links to suburban areas; attractiveness to passengers; accessibility and transport punctuality; and making a direct contribution to the local economy and employment. Works are due to start within the next two years.
The long-term objective of the Grenelle de l’Environnement policy is to invest €1·3bn to create 1500 km of new lines over 15 years. Of this, 1000 km will be completed or underway by the end of 2013.
