France Trials Dual-Mode Road/Rail on 5,700 Km Abandoned Lines

An initiative in France is testing the viability of light electric vehicles, termed “Ferromobiles,” for operation on approximately 5,700 km of disused secondary railway lines. The project, part of the government’s France 2030 plan, aims to provide a low-cost mobility solution without requiring extensive modernization or electrification of the old infrastructure. The engineering company SICEF is developing the system within the Flexmove consortium, which is coordinated by AKKA Technologies.

The vehicles are adapted from the Peugeot e-Traveller model and are designed to carry up to eight passengers. The technical specifications allow for autonomous operation on rails and manual control by a driver on public roads. The concept is positioned as an intermediate transport solution for routes with demand too low for conventional trains but too high for exclusive reliance on private cars. Operation is 100% electric, resulting in zero emissions at the point of use.

Initial tests are underway on the Courpière – Vertolaye line in the Auvergne region. This line was selected due to its rural location and the long-term suspension of previous rail services. The Ferromobiles will operate exclusively on decommissioned lines, which eliminates the need for complex signaling integration and avoids traffic conflicts with the national rail network.

The operational framework allows for two service models: a fixed schedule with minimal waiting times or an on-demand service managed through a mobile application. This dual-mode approach offers flexibility to match service levels with fluctuating passenger demand in low-density areas. The project is described as an application of “frugal innovation” by repurposing existing assets to lower operational costs significantly compared to traditional rail services.

The government has assigned SICEF to coordinate the consortium, which also includes the transport engineering firm Systra, research institution Université Gustave Eiffel, and the technology start-up Entropy. These partners contribute expertise across vehicle engineering, rail systems, and operational logistics.

If the pilot phase confirms the economic and operational feasibility of the Ferromobile concept, the program could be extended to other regions with extensive networks of unused lines, including Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Brittany. The project’s success is contingent on demonstrating its financial self-sustainability and public acceptance.