Future new light rail line in Paris

Posted on March 7, 2008 by Matthieu Desiderio

A light rail line in favor of suburbs economic development

The project construction of the fourth light rail line in the Paris region will last three years and the new line will link Saint Denis city center (north of Paris) to Garges Sarcelles. The 6.6 kilometers line is expected to transport 30,000 people a day, in 22 minutes from one end to another, stopping in 16 stations.

It will be connected to the light rail line T1, the subway line 13, and the commuter rail RER D. The projected has been supported by the International Monetary Fund Director Dominique Strauss Kahn, while he was mayor of Sarcelles. According to the new mayor (also a leftist), this new infrastructure will guarantee economic development, and renewed urban planning for this city in Paris suburbs.

The light rail line will end at the train station in Sarcelles, connecting with intercity trains. A new commercial and industrial area is being planned around the station, and will probably generate job creation in the area.

A simple light rail? Not only…

A light rail, or any public transportation infrastructure is not only a way for mayors and elected officials to be remembered after the quit the office. It is definitely a way to ensure economic development of urban and suburban areas.

When such a project is planned, it allows urban planners not only to design aesthetic light rail projects but also to redefine urban planning around the rail tracks. Usually, streets where light rails are constructed are totally redesigned from building to building, from one side of the street ot another. Also, areas around stations and ends of the line are usually places where new projects are started. A better accessibility allows and eases economic development with the creation of commercial areas, industrial and services buildings, etc.

It is really important to understand that such projects do not only improve mobility, they also help all what is around mobility: activity. Projects costs and profits should not only be analyzed as fare box and subsidies against infrastructure and operating costs. Jobs creation, commercial revenues, environmental impacts are factors that have their importance, a not a “light” one…