Lyon Mayoral Candidates Propose New Metro Line, Abandoning Tram Project
Lyon, January 19, 2026 – Jean-Michel Aulas, a prominent candidate for the Lyon mayoral seat, and Véronique Sarselli, a candidate for the metropolitan elections, have unveiled an ambitious proposal to construct a new metro line in Lyon. This initiative, announced during a press conference on Monday, January 19, aims to replace the existing Tramway Express de l’Ouest Lyonnais (TEOL) project, which they deem irrelevant.
The proposed metro line would establish a crucial connection from the west of the city to the airport, traversing key areas such as Bellecour, Part-Dieu, and the communes of Décines and Meyzieu. This announcement has ignited significant discussion regarding the future of public transportation in the Lyon metropolitan area.
An Ambitious Mobility Plan for Lyon
Jean-Michel Aulas, a well-known figure in Lyon, emphasized the comprehensive nature of their mobility plan. “We have planned an extremely ambitious plan in terms of mobility,” Aulas stated, highlighting an initial phase of “reorganization” and “updating” the current network. He further asserted that “the Lyon metropolis must be among the five best European metropolises, whereas it is currently 18th out of 20.”
This new metro line is presented as a cornerstone of their vision to elevate Lyon’s standing among European cities, addressing persistent transportation challenges and fostering enhanced connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
Abandoning the TEOL Project: A Unified Stance
A central tenet of Aulas and Sarselli’s proposal is the complete abandonment of the TEOL tramway project. Véronique Sarselli articulated a unified sentiment regarding this decision: “There is unanimity to abandon this TEOL project. It has no relevance.” She further added, “We will very quickly relaunch the Metro E project. Bruno Bernard (the ecological president of the Metropolis) had promised to do this metro in his profession of faith. The consultation has already been done.”
The Metro E project, previously shelved in 2022 by the Sytral Mobilités board of directors due to concerns about its scale and cost-effectiveness, would extend from the Alaï station area in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune to the center of Lyon. Sarselli champions this as the “fastest, most direct, and highest-capacity heavy transport solution to open up western Lyon.”
Financial Projections and Potential Timeline
According to reports from Le Progrès, if elected, the metro project could materialize as early as 2035. The initial investment is estimated at 1.4 billion euros to reach Bellecour, with an additional 600 million euros required to extend the line to Part-Dieu. These figures underscore the significant financial commitment associated with this ambitious infrastructure undertaking.
Broader Implications for Lyon’s Urban Development
The proposed metro line and the subsequent abandonment of the TEOL project reflect a broader strategic shift in how future urban development and transportation needs are being considered in Lyon. The candidates’ focus on a high-capacity metro system suggests a long-term vision for managing increasing population density and supporting economic growth within the metropolitan area.
This development is set against a backdrop of other significant political and social discussions in Lyon, including the first meeting for Grégory Doucet’s mayoral campaign, promising a “peaceful and protective city,” and ongoing concerns about issues such as drug trafficking.
The coming months, leading up to the municipal elections, will undoubtedly see further debate and scrutiny of these proposals, as candidates vie for public support and present their visions for Lyon’s future.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
While the announcement has generated considerable attention, the public’s reaction remains to be fully gauged. The shift from a tramway to a metro system represents a substantial change in urban planning and will likely be a key point of discussion among residents, urban planners, and transportation experts.
The success of this proposed metro line hinges not only on electoral outcomes but also on the feasibility of its implementation, including securing necessary funding and navigating potential logistical challenges. As Lyon continues to evolve, the decisions made regarding its public transport infrastructure will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s accessibility, environmental impact, and overall quality of life for its inhabitants.
