Provence: Rail line re-opens to cut cars

For the first time since 2016, France has reactivated one of the regional rail lines it dropped during a long period of 'cars-only' thinking, re-linking a series of cities in the Rhone and Gard valleys. The line had been closed for 50 years.

The line, which runs south from Point-Saint-Esprit through Avignon, a major transfer point to Nimes skirts the right bank of the Rhone. Since the end of passenger traffic, it's continued to handle freight services.

Now, with a public goal of reducing car use to reduce emissions, and a growing demand for—it's been a busy summer for French rail—the line has been re-opened, providing more capacity and a shorter travel time. In rush hour, it can save as much as 40% of the commuter time.

The regional authorities in the area is pushing for funding on the next project, re-opening five more stations along the line, hopefully enabling another 200,000 passengers a year on the line. That project is slated to be completed by 2026.

Image: Mayor Jean-Yves Chapelet applauding the re-opening.