In June 2020, between the two rounds of the municipal election, Christian Estrosi confirmed to 20 minutes its project to “split line 1 of the tramway between the north and the south”, very busy, to relieve it, via a public transport on a dedicated site (TCSP). Since the file has gained ground. The metropolis is now talking about a High Level Service Bus (BRT) and a consultation has just been completed.
A north-south route and two options to extend it to the east
The planned route starts from avenue Saint-Sylvestre, passes by boulevard de Cessole, then boulevard Gambetta to join the Promenade des Anglais. Extensions are “under study”, also indicates the community which has already planned them in its calendar (see box). The first, to the north, would lead to the Place Fontaine du temple. The second would border the entire green belt, including its future extension, up to the current Palais des Expositions. After consultation, adjustments could be made. A vote in the metropolitan council is expected.
More lanes for buses and therefore less for cars
By creating a line 7.2 km long, 90% of which is “own site”, that is to say on lanes reserved exclusively for the bus (to guarantee an average speed of 14.5 km / h), cars will inevitably have less space. The metropolis evokes “some adjustments”. In fact, a one-way street will be created between Place Goiran and the Carrefour de l’Horloge sur Cessole. Cars will no longer have access to the southern part of Boulevard Gambetta, which is solely devoted to bus lanes and cycle paths. We must also expect that parking and delivery places will be turned upside down on the route.
A bus to lighten tram Line 1 (but not only)
As Christian Estrosi explained to 20 minutes, the primary goal of this BRT is to relieve the number of tram line 1, frequented by 100,000 to 120,000 travelers per day. However, its ambition is on the decline. In June 2020, the mayor intended to transport 30,000 people daily in this BRT. The metropolis now estimates its attendance at 16,000 passengers “initially”, also reducing “bus lines 8, 23 and 57, which are also very busy,” says the community. It also estimates “at 2,800 the number of vehicles less thanks to the BRT and its infrastructures”.