The Great Rhône Transport Transformation – A Comedic Look
Ah, the Rhône department is rolling out a plan for a single public transport offer, which, if you ask me, sounds awfully similar to getting a bunch of cats to agree on one litter box. Not that the French need any encouragement to be less organized—let’s just say logic isn’t their forte when it comes to getting around! But credit where it’s due: SYTRAL mobilities is merging three networks like an overly ambitious chef tossing ingredients into a pot. Cars du Rhône, Libellule, and TCL will finally stop bickering and create one big happy transport family!
The new acronym is incredibly clever. I mean, who doesn’t love an acronym? It’s like a secret handshake, except no one knows what it means; kind of sums up the French transport system, doesn’t it? From September 2025, you’ll be able to take a coach, metro, tram, or even an airport shuttle—all using the same ticketing system. I can see it now: an army of tourists with their train tickets, laughter ringing in the air as they get hopelessly lost in Lyon’s public transport maze. Simplification for travelers, indeed!
Optimize and Simplify the Service
Bruno Bernard, bless him, claims this is a “real revolution.” A revolution in Lyonian transport could mean anything from better service to a sudden shortage of baguettes—wildly unpredictable! But if it means having a reader-friendly public transport offer—well, that’s almost as revolutionary as inventing a drunk-proof wine bottle. The proposal suggests a single rechargeable ticket that might just end the chaotic nightmare of remembering multiple ticket types. Thank goodness, because some of us use the seat cushions as makeshift wallets when the train staff come around.
And let’s not forget about the common app–the digital oasis for all your transport needs. Finally, a way to feel like you’re in the 21st century, pigeon-holed into monotonous information overload. When all you want to do is find a route to the nearest café! So, be prepared for “passenger information” that will be “homogenized”. Just imagine: It’s like being told exactly what you should be doing at work while staring blankly at your computer—oh, the joys of technology!
A Gradual Deployment
And as for prices—ah, the sweet topic of money! SYTRAL mobilities promises “simplified pricing.” One can only hope it’s simpler than ordering a coffee in Paris, where you need a Ph.D. in French linguistics just to ask for a “latte.” They assure us that solidarity rates and free entry for kids under 10 are here to stay because who doesn’t want to save money while dragging around a snotty child?
Deployment will be gradual; it’s not like they’re flipping a switch and suddenly everyone magically understands how to use public transport. First, buses will get their new TCL stickers—like teenagers getting their driver’s licenses, but the fear of failure will hit harder since we all know how much city buses love to play ‘hide and seek’!
“Everything will not happen overnight. We are not in the business of changing vehicles that work.” Isn’t that just classic? They could have coined a new phrase: “If it ain’t broke, just take a while to fix it!”
Now, it’s said over 1,000 buses and coaches will be hoofing it around under the new TCL network—that’s right, over 550 buses dedicated solely to school services! The youth of today surely have no idea just how fortunate they are. Lucky us—more buses to avoid on our morning commute. Thanks, Lyon!
In Numbers
262 towns and villages, almost two million inhabitants, are set to be affected. A lot of people to confuse with the new fare system! And roughly 5,000 agents will be employed across this network—talk about job security for the chronically confused! If they’re lucky, they might just get the hang of operating the new ticketing system before retirement. Fingers crossed!
So there we have it, Lyon! A shocking transformation nearly as amusing as watching Lee Evans try to tell a coherent story. While I do admire SYTRAL mobilities for their ambitious goal of unifying public transport—let’s just hope they remember that while they’re busy merging networks, the rest of us would love if our buses could simply arrive on time! In the end, the future of travel looks bright… if only we can navigate the new system without needing a seasoned guide (or an advanced GPS with a sense of humor)!
In a bold move to enhance mobility across the Rhône department, SYTRAL mobilities has set its sights on creating a unified public transport system. This initiative will integrate the three existing networks in the area: Cars du Rhône serving western Lyon and Monts du Lyonnais, Libellule in the Caladoise conurbation, and the Transports en commun Lyonnais (TCL).
The newly formed network will retain the TCL acronym, symbolizing the Lyon metropolitan area, while incorporating the initial letters of the previously existing networks. Beginning in September 2025, all modes of transport—coaches, metros, trams, and airport shuttles—will operate under a single ticketing system, a uniform app, and a cohesive identity. This strategic approach aims to streamline travel for users and enhance the attractiveness of the region as a whole, as highlighted by SYTRAL mobilities.
Optimize and simplify the service
Bruno Bernard, president of the Métropole de Lyon and SYTRAL mobilities, describes this initiative as a “real revolution,” aiming to provide a public transport system that is both “readable and accessible.” The changes are designed to modernize and optimize the public service, reaping benefits for the entire territory covered. Key developments will include the consolidation of services such as ticketing, application interfaces, and pricing structures.
Starting next September, passengers will have access to a unified rechargeable ticket and a singular subscription, supported by “new distributors and validators.” This upgrade ensures seamless travel across the entire network using one transport ticket. Additionally, a common application and website will serve to facilitate passenger information, communication, and ticket distribution in a manner that is both standardized and simplified.
A gradual deployment
With regard to fare structures, SYTRAL mobilities has revealed plans for “simplified pricing,” making the cost of travel more transparent over a wide geographical area. Importantly, discounted solidarity rates and complimentary access for children under 10 will remain, with the possibility of extending these benefits throughout the expanded service area. The final pricing for tickets and subscriptions will be determined by the SYTRAL Mobilities board of directors on November 21.
This initiative represents a significant shift in mobility patterns and behaviors, and its implementation will occur in stages. Initially, vehicles from the Cars du Rhône and Libellule networks will begin showcasing the new TCL branding alongside the start of the 2025 school year. In the Lyon metropolitan area, updates will align with the renovation schedules for buses. Although trams and metros will retain their current designs, they will also adopt the new logo.
everything will not happen overnight. It will be necessary to manage the fleet and finances sustainably and reasonably. We are not in the business of changing vehicles that work. Only the changed buses will display the red of the new network.
For enhanced service integration, adjustments to the Cars du Rhône network lines began in 2022 in preparation for this unification, a process that will continue. Establishing a hierarchy among the various lines is critical; for instance, determining the priority of which line 1 will be operated by the TCL, Cars du Rhône, or Libellule networks.
Among the existing fleet, 150 buses on the Cars du Rhône network are already utilizing clean energy, part of a larger group of 400. Gradual replacement of the thermal energy buses is planned to promote a more ecological and sustainable fleet.
In numbers.
262. Twelve intercommunal authorities uniting 262 towns and villages will be influenced by this new system, impacting nearly two million residents.
1.500. More than 1,000 buses and coaches will operate within the new TCL framework, in addition to over 550 dedicated solely to school services.
5.000. With the integration of personnel from the former networks (Cars du Rhône, TCL, and Libellule) and without any announced job cuts, approximately 5,000 agents will be part of the new TCL network.
What are the main features of the upcoming unified public transport app in the Rhône department?
**Interview: The Great Rhône Transport Transformation – A Comedic Look**
**Host:** Welcome, everyone, to today’s show where we dive into the Rhône department’s ambitious plan for a unified public transport system! Joining us is our guest, renowned comedy writer and transport enthusiast, Jacques. Jacques, this initiative sounds like a recipe for logistical chaos! What are your thoughts?
**Jacques:** (laughs) Oh, absolutely! It’s like trying to get a group of cats to agree on a litter box! But on a serious note, I have to give credit to SYTRAL mobilities for trying to merge three networks—Cars du Rhône, Libellule, and TCL—into one cohesive family. It’s probably the most ambitious family reunion since… well, ever!
**Host:** Right? And the new acronym TCL is clever! But is it really going to help us understand the transport system better?
**Jacques:** (grinning) Ah, the joys of acronyms! It’s like a secret handshake for the confused. But from September 2025, being able to ride a coach, metro, tram, or airport shuttle with one ticket? That sounds almost magical—like a fairy tale for us public transport warriors!
**Host:** Magical indeed! What about this “real revolution” that Bruno Bernard is talking about?
**Jacques:** (chuckles) Revolution! That’s a bold claim! It could range from implementing better service to a sudden baguette shortage! But seriously, if they can create a transport offer that’s reader-friendly, that’s almost as monumental as inventing drunk-proof wine bottles—something we clearly need after a long day of navigating bus routes!
**Host:** Humor aside, what do you think about the introduction of a common app?
**Jacques:** I mean, finally! A “digital oasis” for transport needs! It’s refreshing—until it overwhelms you with too much information. It’s like being told step-by-step what to do at work while you’re staring blankly at your screen. I can already picture the “homogenized” passenger information. Just what we need—less confusion while trying to find the nearest café!
**Host:** And the pricing changes? Does “simplified pricing” mean we won’t have to take a course in French linguistics just to order a coffee?
**Jacques:** (roaring with laughter) Let’s hope! Simplified pricing sounds like a dream—but will it really be simpler than ordering that coffee? Honestly, if they can keep the solidarity rates and free entry for kids, that’s a win! Who doesn’t love saving money while dragging a snotty child around?
**Host:** Deployment might be gradual—what do you think about that?
**Jacques:** (sighing dramatically) Oh yes, because we’re not flipping a switch and suddenly understanding how to use public transport. You know, first the buses will get their shiny new TCL stickers, like teenagers getting their driver’s licenses. Honestly, it’s going to be a learning curve for everyone involved!
**Host:** And what about the numbers? Almost two million inhabitants? That’s quite a crowd to confuse with the new fare system!
**Jacques:** (nodding) Ideally, we’d need a personal trainer just to navigate that new system! But hey, job security for transport agents, right? I can picture them scratching their heads trying to make sense of it themselves—it’s going to be entertaining, to say the least!
**Host:** (laughs) So, hopefully, once the dust settles, we’ll have a transport system to rave about. Any final thoughts, Jacques?
**Jacques:** Yes! While I admire SYTRAL mobilities for their ambitious goal to unify public transport, let’s just hope the buses can arrive on time! The future of travel looks bright, but we might still need a seasoned guide—or at least a GPS with a sense of humor—to make it through the new system!
**Host:** Thanks for joining us today, Jacques! And to all our viewers, we’ll see you next time for more hilarity in transit!