RhônExpress – Railway Technology

This article explores the RhônExpress project, a significant public-private partnership (PPP) that significantly enhanced transport connectivity between Lyon Part-Dieu, Meyzieu ZI, and Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. The project aimed to alleviate transport congestion, improve accessibility to the airport, and stimulate economic growth in the region. The analysis will delve into the project’s phases, from initial planning and financing to infrastructure development, rolling stock deployment, and operational considerations. A key focus will be on the innovative use of a double streetcar system and the technological aspects of its implementation. Furthermore, we will examine the project’s long-term sustainability and its impact on the regional transport network, considering its future expansion potential. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of this successful transportation project and its potential as a model for similar initiatives.

Project Development and Financing

The RhônExpress project commenced with a proposal in February 2001 by the General Council of the Rhône and SYTRAL (Syndicat des Transports de l’agglomération lyonnaise), the urban transport authority for the Lyon metropolitan area. The initial plan involved a double streetcar system connecting Lyon Part-Dieu, Meyzieu ZI (industrial zone), and Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. The first phase, the T3 line from Lyon Part-Dieu to Meyzieu ZI, was completed in December 2006. A concession contract for the second line, the RhônExpress link, was signed in January 2007. Declared a public utility in July 2008, construction began in October 2008, with infrastructure completion and rolling stock delivery by 2009. Trial operations started in February 2010, leading to commercial operations in August 2010. The €120 million project was funded through a mix of grants (€40 million), loans (€62 million secured by RhônExpress), and shareholder contributions. The RhônExpress consortium, responsible for design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance, employed a diverse team of contractors including VINCI and Eurovia Railway Works (ETF), Cegelec Centre Est, Campenon Bernard Management, South East EJL, and Roiret Transport. The Rhône CFTA (Conseil de la Communauté Française de Transport en Autobus) manages the ongoing operation and maintenance of the line under a 30-year concession led by VINCI.

Infrastructure and Technology

The 22km RhônExpress line features four stations, including two intermediate stops (Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and Meyzieu ZI). A significant portion of the project involved constructing a new 7km line between Meyzieu ZI and Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. All stations are fully accessible, equipped with elevators, Braille signage, information terminals displaying real-time schedules, and audio announcements. The new 7km line required two new substations and a 750V DC overhead contact line, enabling train speeds of up to 100 km/h. The supporting infrastructure incorporates an operations and maintenance center, offices, access roads, rolling stock storage sidings, a sand loading station, and a train washing facility. The service operates with a frequency of 15 minutes during peak hours (6 am to 9 pm) and 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

Rolling Stock and Passenger Capacity

Stadler, a Swiss manufacturer, supplied the rolling stock comprising six double-streetcar trains, each with a capacity of up to 75 passengers. The trains are equipped with automatic doors, wheelchair accessibility features including dedicated areas with grab bars and seat belts for securing wheelchairs. This design prioritizes the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Future Expansion and Sustainability

Given the substantial growth in passenger numbers at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (8 million in 2009, projected to reach 10 million by 2012), the RhônExpress consortium planned for future expansion. The existing stations were designed to accommodate double-length trains, indicating a clear vision for increasing capacity to meet future demand. This foresight underscores the project’s commitment to long-term sustainability and adaptability to changing passenger needs.

Conclusions

The RhônExpress project stands as a successful example of a large-scale public-private partnership in the railway sector. The project’s efficient planning, execution, and ongoing operation demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration between public authorities and private sector expertise. The innovative use of double streetcars, alongside advanced technological infrastructure and accessible station design, has dramatically improved transportation connectivity to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. The strategic foresight embedded in the project, including the capacity for future expansion and the emphasis on passenger accessibility, assures its long-term viability and sustainability. The project successfully addressed pressing transportation challenges, boosting economic activity in the region while providing a high-quality and efficient public transport service. The careful consideration of environmental impacts, through effective infrastructure design and the choice of modern rolling stock, also contributed to the project’s overall success. The RhônExpress serves as a valuable model for future rail projects, demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions that combine public and private resources to deliver significant societal benefits.

Company Information:

• VINCI: A global leader in concessions, construction, and services.
• Eurovia Railway Works (ETF): A subsidiary of VINCI specializing in railway infrastructure.
• SYTRAL: The urban transport authority for the Lyon metropolitan area.
• Stadler: A Swiss manufacturer of rolling stock.
• Rhône CFTA (Conseil de la Communauté Française de Transport en Autobus): Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the line.