Geneva to expand metro network, introducing a subterranean rail line and enhancing cross-border transit services.
Geneva's Saturated Public Transport: The Plan for a Solution
Staring down the barrel of a daily influx of around 112,000 workers from France, Geneva's public transport system is seeing red during peak hours. But the cantonal authorities aren't panicking. Instead, they've got a cunning plan to expand the Léman Express train service to boost capacity.
The Léman Express: A Game Changer
The Léman Express, launched in 2019, is already a staple in the local transport system, linking 45 train stations across the region. Now, the focus is on expanding it further, particularly with a new link between Annemasse (France) and Geneva airport. Testing begins in 2026 for this exciting addition!
But why stop there? The canton plans to amp up the service for international routes too, with an eye on improving connections to Lyon, linking to the European North-South TGV network.
Hop on Board the Double-Decker!
It's all about doubling up, quite literally. The arrival of new, longer double-decker trains promises to accommodate around 50 percent more commuters. It's like buying an upgrade before the plane takes off!
The Underground Railway Line: A Future Dream
It's a dream that's still fancifully scribbled on the back of a napkin, with a timeline somewhere between 2040 and 2045. Known as the underground railway line project, this 4-billion-franc endeavor, announced on December 11th, promises to de-congest Geneva's streets by providing an alternative to cars.
With an impressive reach of 22 kilometers, the metro will traverse the canton from north to south, connecting the foot of the Jura to the foot of the Saleve. It'll have two connection points in neighboring France - Saint-Genis (Ain) and Saint-Julien (Haute-Savoie). The metro will pass through notable landmarks in Geneva, such as CERN, Meyrin, Secheron district, and more, before zipping towards the Plan-les-Ouates and eventually St-Julien in France.
Stops will be conveniently situated every 800 to 1200 meters, making it possible to traverse the canton in about 30 minutes! And for those with itchy feet, a future connection to Annecy via the metro might just be in the cards!
As for specific details on the timeline and follow-ups on these projects, it's essential to keep our eyes peeled for official announcements and updates from the relevant authorities or transportation agencies in Geneva. The city's commitment to sustainable mobility and cross-border initiatives underscores the potential for further development in transportation infrastructure. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
- To address the overcrowding in Geneva's public transport system during peak hours, the authorities are planning to expand the Léman Express train service to increase capacity, with testing for a new link between Annemasse (France) and Geneva airport scheduled to begin in 2026.
- In addition to expanding the Léman Express, the canton aims to improve international connections, aiming to link to the European North-South TGV network and enhance connections to Lyon.
- To accommodate more commuters, new, longer double-decker trains will be introduced, promising to accommodate around 50 percent more passengers.
- A long-term dream for Geneva is the underground railway line project, with a planned reach of 22 kilometers from the foot of the Jura to the foot of the Saleve. The metro, intended to de-congest Geneva's streets by providing an alternative to cars, is anticipated to be completed between 2040 and 2045.
