 |
 |
 |
 |
"Our over-reliance on cars and $4-per-gallon gasoline has led us to dig a really deep hole for ourselves. The Purple Line is the ladder that helps us climb up out of this hole toward the light of rational land use, friendly commutes and a stable climate." Mike Tidwell, director of CCAN |  |
 |
 |
 |
  
|
|
|
         |
|
|
|
originally posted December 2006 updated February 2008 What it is: The new T-3 Tram Line is a circumferential light rail line (like the proposed Inner Purple Line) that runs along the Boulevards des Marėchaux which form an inner beltway around Paris. The first segment opened in mid December and includes 17 stops along the 7.9 km alignment between the Pont du Garigliano and Port d’Ivry passing through three arrondissements (13th, 14th and 15th) and seven inner-suburban boroughs. The new segment also serves a University – the Citė Universitaire. What is the project goal: While Paris has the most extensive public transit system in the world, regional growth has underlined its weaknesses in a manner that is similar to problems in the Washington, D.C. region. The system functions well for bringing people into and around the center of Paris, but works less effectively in moving people from suburb to suburb. On the outskirts of Paris, more than 40% of all trips are made by car, compared to 2/3 of all trips within Paris being made by pubic transit. Why Light Rail: Existing bus service is slow and the buses are overcrowded. A new underground Metrorail line was deemed to be too expensive. The tram line is designed to carry up to 100,000 people each day – double the capacity of the buses that previously served the route. The project will utilize 44-meter long “Citadis” cars fabricated by Alstom, with each car designed to carry 304 passengers with seating for 78). Trains will operate every 4 minutes during rush hour and every 8 minutes during off-peak times. What are Other Project Benefits: The project included major improvements to the pedestrian and bicycling environment with wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and improved landscaping all designed to encourage people to get out of their cars. A major focus in planning was on reducing noise levels along the busy corridor. Improved lighting was another significant benefit of the project. Special lighting was designed for the route with more than 4,000 new lights installed in coordination with the landscaping and integrated with the light rail’s overhead power distribution (catenary) system. While lighting was dramatically improved, the overall power consumption was reduced due to the use of higher efficiency metallic iodide lamps. Economic Development: Paris developed a clear strategy for protecting the businesses located along the 7 Boulevards impacted by this project. Business expansion continued during construction with the number of businesses growing 12.7% (from 580 to 655 between 2003 and 2006. A dispute resolution committee was set up by the City of Paris and railroad authority and compensation packages have been developed for 37 businesses who suffered negative impacts from construction. The vacancy rate for commercial space along the corridor was reported to be 7.6% which is lower than the rate in Paris as a whole. February 2008 - The T-3 is reportedly carrying 90,000 riders each day - close to its design capacity and nearly double the number carried on bus routes replaced by the line. |
|
|
|
|
 
68,000 riders each weekday is huge! Counting down to completion of Purple Line DEIS; Latest news: Latest News; How you can help 
See: We need you to help keep the Purple Line a state and county priority. Write a letter, make a call or send an e-mail in support of the Purple Line today. See: Contact List |
|
  
|