PUBLIC transport authority Sytral Mobilités has awarded RATP Dev a 10-year contract to operate the metro and light rail networks in the French city of Lyon from January 1 2025.
RATP Dev will be responsible for operating four metro lines totalling 70km, serving 44 stations and operated with a fleet of 102 trains. Lines B and D of the Lyon metro feature driverless operation and, like Line A, have a fleet of rubber-tyred trains.
As well as the metro network that carries 50% of all traffic on Lyon’s TCL public transport network, RATP Dev will operate seven light rail lines totalling 71km that serve a total of 128 stops, with a fleet of 107 LRVs.
The contract also covers the operation of two funicular railways and the 13km Rhônexpress light rail line between Lyon Part-Dieu station in the city centre and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Operated with six LRVs, it serves intermediate stations at Vaulx-en-Velin and Meyzieu.
RATP Dev will be responsible for rolling stock and infrastructure maintenance, as well as network security.
During the term of the new contract, RATP Dev will be involved in the delivery of major projects for Sytral Mobilités, including the automation of metro Line A and the modernisation of lines C and D.
On the light rail network, new lines T9 and T10 are due to enter service, as well as an extension to line T6.
RATP Dev says that it will work to further improve service quality and customer satisfaction, deploying digital technology and introducing a preventative maintenance regime to improve fleet availability and service frequency.
Particular attention will be paid to stations and stops to make them safer and more welcoming, mainly through the deployment of more staff.
To accelerate the decarbonisation of the Lyon network, RATP Dev will present proposals for sourcing its electrical power requirements from green suppliers, giving priority to local power generation. The environmental impact of metro and light rail operations will be measured to assist Sytral Mobilités in meeting its targets.
Rival contract operator Keolis has operated the TCL network for over 30 years. Although it will continue to operate the bus and trolleybus networks in Lyon, the loss of TCL’s metro and light rail lines is a significant blow.
RATP Dev says that it will work closely with Keolis to ensure a smooth transition to the new contract.
“Alongside the employees of the TCL network, we will be offering undeniable expertise in metros and light rail, with the ambition of together bringing to life the Sytral Mobilités vision for the region and its inhabitants,” says RATP Dev CEO, Ms Hiba Farès.
"I salute all the RATP Dev teams who have convinced Sytral Mobilités through their commitment. It is this same commitment that we are now putting into practice for the benefit of all local residents.”
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