Commuters in Lyon should prepare for significant changes to the TCL public transport network, effective August 31. The overhaul includes a complete renumbering of lines, new color schemes for metro and funiculars, the addition of several new bus routes, and the discontinuation of one line. These adjustments are designed to streamline the network and eliminate confusion caused by duplicate line numbers.
What’s Changing in the TCL Network?
The upcoming changes will impact nearly 200 bus lines, as well as metro and funicular services. The primary goal is to simplify the network’s readability and make route planning easier for passengers.
Bus Line Renumbering
A total of 122 Junior Direct lines and 68 classic bus lines will undergo renumbering. For instance, Junior Direct line JD2 will become JD781, JD4 will be JD904, and JD13 will change to JD753. Classic bus lines will see a shift where line 2 becomes 102, line 3 becomes 103, and so forth.
Seven Chrono bus lines will also be renumbered. Notably, the C3 line, which was replaced by TB11 last autumn, will now be re-designated as C27 following its merger with C11.
Color Changes for Metro and Funiculars
Beyond number changes, the visual identity of some lines will be updated:
- Metro Line C: Changes from yellow to orange.
- Funicular Lines: Both lines will switch from green to purple.
- Tramway Lines: Each tramway line will retain its distinct color.
New Bus Routes and One Discontinued Line
Several new bus lines will be introduced to enhance connectivity across the city:
- Line 44: Will connect La Chaux-École de Champlong to Collonges-Fontaines station, with 10 stops.
- Line JD430: Will link Belle Étoile-Trève Gay to Tarare School City.
- Line JD460: Will run from Villefranche Bus Station to Claveisolles Village Hall.
Conversely, the JD294 line, which currently operates between Ratabizet and Décines Esplanade, will be permanently discontinued.
How to Prepare for the Changes
To help passengers navigate the new network, TCL has launched a dedicated converter tool and will provide in-person assistance.
TCL Line Converter Tool
An intuitive online line converter is already available to help users understand the upcoming changes. By entering an existing line number, commuters can discover its new number and color from August 31. The tool also allows for reverse searches, enabling users to find the current line corresponding to a new number.
Access the converter here: [Link to TCL converter tool – if available, otherwise remove this line]
Assistance from TCL Agents
In the weeks leading up to the changes, TCL agents will be available to assist users. They can help simulate future journeys and advise on the appropriate lines to take after the August 31 overhaul.
Why the Change?
The TCL network currently features approximately 600 lines, many of which have duplicate numbers, leading to confusion and difficulties in route planning. This comprehensive restructuring aims to create a clearer, more efficient, and user-friendly public transport system for Lyon’s residents and visitors.
The changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve public transport services in Lyon, building on previous initiatives like the introduction of practical applications for real-time network tracking.
Key Dates and Information
- Implementation Date: August 31
- Lines Affected: Nearly 200 bus lines, Metro Line C, and funicular lines.
- Tools Available: Online line converter, in-person assistance from TCL agents.
Stay informed and plan your journeys in advance to ensure a smooth transition with the new TCL network.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-tout-savoir-sur-la-revolution-a-venir-du-reseau-tcl-les-noms-et-numeros-des-lignes-changent_64362527.html