It’s all happening in France

From new tramways and high speed lines to integrated urban transport involving bike and car share, the French passenger transport scene appears dynamic and positive. So what is the thinking behind the reality? Peter Stonham and Daniel Wright take an in depth look at policy and structure

The Montpellier tramway, opened in 2000 has this year been expanded with two extra lines. The four line system is now the second biggest in France.

The Montpellier tramway, opened in 2000 has this year been expanded with two extra lines. The four line system is now the second biggest in France.

Some features of the French public transport system are internationally known – and admired. But the policy, organisational and funding framework behind them is not so well understood, and even the performance of the system in terms of patronage levels, modal split, commercial results and passenger and political ratings is sometimes hard for outsiders to discover.

Amongst the most widely recognised elements are the impresive high speed rail network, the advanced development of urban rail...