Which metro will be built after 2026? The consultation is launched

The choice promises to be tough. The public consultation on the development of the metro network in the Lyon metropolitan area after 2026 was launched on Tuesday. Four projects (see box) are in competition, although Sytral assures that it “does not want to oppose the territories”. In reality, it will be necessary to decide, which is likely to cause frustration, all having an interest.

“It will not be for citizens to vote for one of the four, announces Jean-Charles Kohlhaas, vice-president of the metropolis of Lyon in charge of mobility. The objective is for them to be able to express themselves, to suggest ideas which will then allow us to choose which one is most in the general interest ”. Nothing is therefore acted upon.

“One of the questions is whether we need to develop the metro further. Our predecessors did not make that choice, notes Bruno Bernard, the president of the metropolis and Sytral. The last line dates back to 1991. For 30 years, there have been a few line extensions but no new creations, the choice has been to favor other means of transport rather than the metro. “And to add:” The extension of a metro is linked to a very strong urban development. Our vision is not to encourage urban sprawl but to open up already densified areas. “

“I was booked on metro E, today my opinion has changed”

Given demographic forecasts and the increase in real estate prices forcing households to move to the inner or outer suburbs of Lyon, the development of the metro network may well prove to be essential. But, the whole problem will be to “find a consensus” since the realization of the four projects in their entirety could take “40 to 50 years”. “A metro can be counted in billions of euros,” recalls Bruno Bernard, who seems to have revised his position on the creation of line E: “I was booked, today my opinion has changed. Yes, it is possible that we do. “

How then to decide knowing that the mayors and inhabitants of the territories concerned will logically defend their home? “It will be a question of studying how much it costs per traveler gained and per minute of journey gained, but not only, answers the president of Sytral. We will study the possible alternatives, we will see which municipalities also agree to participate in the financing because the metropolis and Sytral cannot take charge of everything. “The municipalities will also have to agree to build thousands of housing units in the areas around the metro,” warns Jean-Charles Kohlhaas. Without this, they could well say goodbye to the project they are defending.

To participate in the consultation, go to the platform: consultation-metro-sytral.fr. A closing forum will be organized in mid-December. Sytral’s elected officials will vote on the follow-up to be given in spring 2022.

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