The structured carpooling network, ‘En Covoit’ Lignes,’ is set to expand further. Just months after the initial lines were introduced, Sytral has confirmed the opening of three additional connections in March, specifically enhancing connectivity between the Ain region and the Lyon metropolitan area.
Continued Growth and Success of ‘En Covoit’ Lignes’
The service reports nearly 4,000 new registrations since autumn, bringing the total number of users across both ‘Lane’ and ‘En Covoit’ Lignes’ platforms to approximately 25,000. Over 300 trips have already been completed on the new lines, with drivers offering nearly 1,500 trips monthly.
Details of the New Carpooling Lines
The three new lines are designed to address specific commuting needs and improve access to key transportation hubs:
- Line 5: This line will connect Reyrieux and Trévoux to Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d’Or train station, providing an alternative to single-occupancy vehicle use for train commuters and supporting the future park-and-ride facility.
- Line 6: Connecting Trévoux, Reyrieux, and Massieux to Villeurbanne via the A46, this route will offer a connection to Metro Line A at Laurent Bonnevay. It primarily targets professionals commuting to metropolitan employment centers.
- Line 7: Serving Montluel, Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost, Pusignan, Meyzieu, and Villeurbanne along the A42 and A432, this line will complement existing rail services and provide connections to Metro Line A and Tramway T3 at Meyzieu ZI.
These initiatives are financially supported by the relevant local authorities and benefit from state funding through the Green Fund.
Tariff Structure and Benefits
For passengers, TCL subscribers can enjoy two free daily trips. Drivers receive 2 euros per passenger for journeys made between two stops on the same line.
Addressing Public Concerns and Future Outlook
While the service boasts growth, some public comments raise questions about its impact and cost-effectiveness. One user, ‘LyonDansMonCoeur,’ questioned the definition of ‘success’ given the number of trips, stating, “How can we call this a success??? 300 trips in 6 months is 12 trips a week, which is just totally ridiculous, stop the ridicule and stop services that don’t work.” Another user, ‘Ex Précisions,’ asked, “How much does this joke cost us for 2 people? In the end, it’s always the taxpayers who pay.”
Despite these criticisms, the expansion reflects an ongoing commitment to promoting carpooling as a sustainable transportation solution within the Lyon Metropolis. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide more accessible commuting options for residents.
These new lines are part of a broader strategy to enhance public transport and reduce reliance on individual cars, aligning with regional environmental goals and urban development plans. The success of these new lines will be closely monitored, with future expansions likely dependent on their adoption and effectiveness in addressing commuting challenges.
